6 Facts About Dental Implants

Tooth loss often makes people conscious of their smiles and appearances. Luckily, modern dentistry offers numerous restorative treatments to replace teeth. If you wonder if dental implants are appropriate for you, check out some interesting facts below.

1. Many People Get Dental Implants Every Year

Tooth loss from gum disease, injury, cancer, or wear and tear is prevalent in the U.S. Dentures and bridges were previously the major options for people with missing teeth.

Dental implants emerged as an alternative restoration option and have gained massive popularity. Every year, American dentists place over 800,000 individual implants. Part of this prevalence is due to the ability of dental implants to improve a patient's quality of life.

2. Dental Implants Have an Exceptional Success Rate of 95%

At 95%, the success rate of dental implants is incomparable to that of bridges, dentures, and crowns. Dentists recommend implants because they function just like healthy, natural teeth, and you will be able to socialize, eat, kiss, and do other usual activities.

However, infections and your lifestyle may affect the success rate of dental implants. Smoking is among the activities that interrupt the healing of implants since it reduces blood supply to your gums and surrounding bone. If you have diabetes, get the care you need, as uncontrolled diabetes slows down implant healing.

Good oral hygiene is vital when living with implants. Clean the dental implants as you do natural teeth, and commit to regular dental cleanings.

3. Dental Implants Seem and Feel Like Natural Teeth

Appearance is a primary concern for people looking into restorative treatments. You likely want an artificial tooth that blends with surrounding teeth and doesn't bring unwanted attention. Above all, you probably want replacement teeth that feel normal when you eat, drink, and talk.

Dental implants are great replacement options because they look and work like natural teeth. Dentists use tooth-colored material like porcelain, and they match the color of your other teeth for a natural result. 

Your dentist grafts the implants into your jawbone, where they take hold and become fully integrated. This means that no one will notice you have replacement teeth.

4. Dental Implants Promote Bone Growth

The jawbone in an empty space a lost tooth leaves behind deteriorates due to insufficient stimulation. Dental implants prevent this deterioration by preserving the natural tooth tissue. The implants also preserve your face's structure and appearance by stimulating bone growth. 

Unlike partial dentures and bridges, your dentist doesn't need to cut down adjacent teeth when they install implants. Dental implants keep your teeth in shape and your smile intact. 

5. Dental Implants Are Durable

If you desire a long-term tooth replacement option, dental implants are likely the best fit. While bridges and partial dentures can fail over time, dental implants maintain a 95–98% success rate for 40 to 50 years. Dentists fashion dental implants from titanium, which integrates with your jawbone. Although dental implants cost more upfront, they serve you for a lifetime with good care.

6. Dental Implants Have Simple Health Requirements

If you have excellent oral and general health and are missing one or two teeth, you are likely a fitting candidate for dental implants. During consultations, your dentist ensures you have adequate bone to secure the implants, and a bone graft may be unavoidable if your jawbone is insufficient or too soft. 

The dental specialist also studies your dental X-rays and 3D images of your mouth to be sure that your oral tissues are healthy. You should be willing to commit a few months to the healing process to let the titanium in your implants fuse to the jawbone. 

If you desire stable artificial teeth that function as the teeth you have lost, dental implants may be right for you. At Pittsburgh Dental Spa, we pride ourselves on offering high-quality dental restorations. Call us today for a refreshed smile.