Dental implants are amazing prosthetic dental devices that look, work, and feel just like real teeth, making them the finest form of tooth replacement available. However, there’s a lot of misinformation about these appliances being shared across the Internet, and many people may not have the right idea about how they work. Here’s a brief guide to what they don’t tell you about dental implants.
Dental Implants Can Last an Incredibly Long Time
Traditional restorations like dentures and bridges are quite durable, but they do not last forever and will need to be replaced after about five to twelve years. Dental implants, on the other hand, can last for several decades or even a lifetime if they receive excellent care, which makes them a far more permanent restoration option. Proper dental implant maintenance is typically the same thing as proper oral hygiene for natural teeth, meaning that you’ll need to brush and floss daily and see your dentist regularly.
Dental Implants Are a Sound Investment in Your Smile
By eliminating the need to replace your false teeth every few years, dental implants may save you thousands of dollars over a few decades. To make things even better, 95% of dental implants are still functioning well ten years after placement, which makes them a solid bet for your oral health. This is in part because the dental implant process begins with your dentist carefully examining your mouth to determine if you are ready for the treatment. If not, you may be able to receive implants later after receiving gum disease therapy or bone grafts.
Dental Implants Are Great for Your Oral Health
Traditional dentures and bridges are designed to sit on top of the gum ridges, meaning that they do not restore the exercise the jawbone loses after tooth loss. This results in the jaw gradually atrophying, which can pull the remaining teeth out of alignment, leave the mouth with a sunken and withered appearance, and ruin the way the restoration fits. Dental implants, on the other hand, restore the stimulation the jawbone needs to stay healthy and strong, which can prevent or even reverse the process of bone loss.
Don’t let some silly misinformation get in the way of your complete and healthy smile. Consulting with your dentist can help you find out if implants can be a suitable treatment for you.
About the Author
Dr. Sandra Thore earned her dental degree at the Medical University of South Carolina and continued her post-secondary education in Raleigh, where she maintains her office today. She is a proud member of the American Dental Association and the North Carolina Dental Association. She provides general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as dental implants. To schedule your dental implant consultation, contact her office online or dial the desk at (919) 659-0015.