In recent years, dental implants have been growing more and more popular as a solution for missing teeth. Despite this fact, there are still a few misconceptions about the treatment floating around. If you’re trying to figure out whether dental implants are right for you, it’s important to make sure that you have as much accurate information as possible. To that end, here are 5 key facts about dental implants that you might not have been aware of.
1. Dental Implant Surgery is Simpler Than You Might Think
During dental implant surgery, a specific number of implant posts are inserted into predetermined areas of the jaw. On the surface, this might sound like a complicated procedure, but in reality, it’s relatively simple. Your periodontist will plan the surgery down to the last detail in order to ensure that everything goes as smoothly as possible. With the right preparations, the procedure is so predictable that it has a success rate of over 95%.
2. Dental Implants Restore Most of Your Chewing Power
Traditional dentures have much less chewing power than natural teeth, which can significantly limit your diet. This is not the case when it comes to dental implants, which can restore up to 70% of your chewing ability once they have fully integrated with the jaw. As a result, you’ll be able to enjoy all of your favorite foods again, and you’ll likely have an easier time maintaining a nutritious diet.
3. Dental Implants are Easy to Take Care Of
Some people assume that maintaining dental implants requires learning a complicated new routine. In reality, it’s not much different than caring for your natural teeth. Simply brushing and flossing your dental implants and the area around them can go a long way toward ensuring that you’re able to keep your new smile for as long as possible.
4. Dental Implants Can Help Prevent Bone Loss
If your jawbone doesn’t receive stimulation from your natural teeth, it will degenerate over time. This can ultimately lead to facial collapse that makes you look older. Fortunately, dental implants have the unique ability to mimic natural tooth roots. As such, they can provide the stimulation needed to prevent bone loss and help you maintain a strong, healthy jaw.
5. Dental Implants Can Be Cost-Effective in the Long Run
It’s no secret that dental implants have a higher upfront cost than other tooth replacement options. However, with traditional dentures and dental bridges, you can generally expect to need to pay for a replacement roughly every 10 years. Meanwhile, dental implants can potentially last a lifetime if you take good care of them; this can make them a better option for your bank account in the long term.
The more you know about dental implants, the easier it will be to decide whether they’re the best choice for your smile. Remember that you can always speak to your periodontist if you have any questions about this tooth replacement option.
About the Author
Dr. Mark T. Litterer studied dentistry at the Medical University of South Carolina, and he completed a three-year residency at the University of Kentucky’s periodontics program. He is a proud member of the American Academy of Periodontology, and he makes a point of keeping up with the latest advancements in his field. At Georgia Periodontics, he regularly helps patients in Decatur, Peachtree Corners, Duluth, and Dunwoody rebuild their smiles with sturdy implant posts. If you’re interested in dental implants, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Litterer by visiting his website or calling (404) 378-4245.