If you’ve lost teeth over the years, you likely know what dental implants are. Namely, they’re prosthetics that have the power to restore your full smile! Still, perhaps you’d like to learn more before deciding on treatment. After all, having the right details will let you settle if implants are right for you. Fortunately enough, your local Carrolton dentist can help things along. To that end, here are five noteworthy facts about dental implants.
Implants Have a Stellar Success Rate
Implants are highly successful in the long term compared to dentures or bridges. In fact, their success rate ten years after placement is over ninety-five percent!
This stellar effectiveness stems from the implants’ materials. Their titanium bases, for instance, let them fuse with your jaw to ensure steadiness and security. Meanwhile, their porcelain surfaces allow them to blend seamlessly with your other teeth.
Implants are Decay-Proof
Being artificial, implants won’t suffer from tooth decay or cavities. Bacterial acids don’t erode them as they would tooth enamel.
Still, this fact doesn’t mean implants don’t need care. Without proper cleaning, you could suffer a tooth infection or gum disease – conditions that result in implant failure. Therefore, remember to brush the prosthetics twice daily and floss them once daily.
Implants Restore Your Bite Force
Initially, you may want implants just to give yourself a full smile. However, these prosthetic teeth will also do much to restore your bite’s strength.
You see, losing teeth affects more than your looks. Without all your chompers, your jaw will degrade and lose much of its bite force. Fortunately, implants stimulate bone growth and return your bite’s former vigor.
Implants Require Dietary Awareness
In the long run, implants let you eat a wide range of foods. That said, you should avoid certain kinds while they’re still fusing with your jaw.
Consider hard and crunchy items, for instance. Chewing chips, pretzels, and similar items would delay or halt implant fusion. Such foods could even cause the restorations to fail.
As the fusion takes place, try to eat softer things instead. You can return to your former diet after the implants are fully secured.
Implants Can Be Relatively Inexpensive
Perhaps surprisingly, implants can be rather cost-effective compared to other treatments. That’s especially true when the alternative is salvaging an overly decayed or damaged tooth.
While implants may have a high upfront price, they’re an excellent investment overall. The restorations can last for decades with proper care, ensuring you pay little for repairs or replacements. In contrast, dentures and bridges only work for a few years and involve many follow-up fees.
Given these facts about dental implants, you can see treatment is worthwhile. So, book a visit with your local dentist soon!
About the Author
Dr. Anthony Dillard is a dentist based in Carrolton, TX, having earned his DDS at the Baylor College of Dentistry. His specialties are preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, as well as emergency dental procedures. He’s also pursued many continuing education hours studying Invisalign and orthodontics. As such, you can trust him to place amazing dental implants! Dr. Dillard currently practices at his self-titled clinic and is reachable on his website and by phone at (972)-394-1492.