Many experts consider dental implants the ideal way to replace missing teeth because of their many unique advantages. Unlike dentures and dental bridges, these prosthetics involve surgically placing a titanium rod that fuses with your jawbone to function like a root. This is capped with a dental crown or other lifelike restoration to close the gap in your grin.
Dental implants are usually stronger and more reliable than the alternatives, but that doesn’t mean they’re the best solution to meet everyone’s unique needs. Continue reading to learn 3 facts you should know before deciding on this procedure!
Fact #1: They Can’t Get Cavities
One of the first questions many people have about dental implants is what they’re made of. Typically, these replacement teeth are topped with a tooth-shaped cap made from durable porcelain that resists discoloration and damage. That means they can’t get cavities like your natural teeth.
However, that doesn’t mean there’s no need to worry about your oral health. The number one leading cause of failure is a form of periodontal disease known as peri-implantitis. This occurs when bacteria in your mouth penetrate the surgical site and erode the surrounding tissues, leaving the metal pole with nothing to hold it in place. You should continue to brush and floss twice daily to remove plaque and germs to maintain your new tooth consistently.
Fact #2: They Preserve Your Jawbone
Would you be surprised to learn that your jawbone thins after adult teeth fall out? Your roots stimulate new bone cell production to keep it active and healthy every time you bite down. When one goes missing, you can lose up to 25% of the surrounding bone mass within the first year.
Of all the methods for rebuilding your smile, only dental implants effectively prevent this degenerative process because the metal rod placed in your jaw functions like a root. Eventually, you’ll create enough new bone growth to fully encompass and fuse with the titanium, making it a permanent part of your mouth.
Fact #3: They Boost Your Health
In addition to boosting your dental condition, these restorations also can improve your general well-being. Unlike dentures and dental bridges, they function as sturdy standalone structures in your mouth. As a result, there are fewer dietary restrictions to contend with. You can eat a wide variety of wholesome foods full of all the essential nutrients your body needs to function at its peak.
Plus, they’re easy to clean, which helps prevent gum disease. Although the earliest form, gingivitis, is reversible, once it progresses, it can enter your bloodstream and contribute to other issues like diabetes or heart problems.
If you’re unsure whether dental implants are right for you, the best way to find out is to consult your dentist!
Meet the Author
Dr. Mohannad Abboushi enjoys helping people build happier, healthier smiles to improve their daily quality of life. He earned his dental degree at New York University and is a member of several prestigious organizations, including the American Dental Association, so you can trust your grin is in good hands. He combines a caring approach with state-of-the-art equipment to enhance patient comfort while delivering accurate, long-lasting results. He partners with local experts for complex dental implant cases to optimize the outcome, then provides a lifelike restoration to close the space in your smile. You can request an appointment on the website or call (973) 250-6400.