Over the years, dental implants have become an increasingly popular option for replacing missing teeth. However, there are a number of misconceptions regarding the treatment that can leave people unsure of whether it’s truly right for them. If you’re trying to decide whether dental implants are the best option for your smile, be sure to take note of these 4 important facts that you may not have been aware of.
1. Dental Implants Don’t Get Cavities, But Your Other Teeth Still Can
Dental implants closely resemble natural teeth, but they are not made out of enamel. As such, it’s impossible for them to suffer from tooth decay. Of course, this doesn’t mean that you can afford to neglect your oral hygiene routine; any natural teeth that are still in your mouth could still develop cavities if you don’t make a point of cleaning them. On top of that, you should still brush and floss the area around your dental implants in order to protect your smile from gum disease, which is a leading risk factor for implant failure.
2. After Getting Dental Implants, You’ll Need to Watch What You Eat
Once they have formed a lasting bond with the jawbone and have been restored with a crown, bridge, or denture, dental implants will allow you to eat virtually any kind of food. That being said, for the first few months after dental implant surgery, you will need to be careful of what you eat. In particular, you will need to stay away from hard or crunchy foods; trying to bite down on them can put too much pressure on your implants and potentially disrupt the bonding process.
3. Dental Implants Can Be a Wise Financial Investment
Looking at the initial price alone, dental implants tend to cost more than traditional bridges and dentures. That being said, they are also significantly more durable and can potentially last for decades, which means you won’t need to pay to have them replaced as often, if at all. As such, dental implants can end up being the smartest option for your bank account.
4. Dental Implants Have a High Success Rate
While dental implant failure is certainly a possibility you should be prepared for, it’s also far from the most likely outcome. Dental implants have a success rate of 95%. This is thanks to a variety of factors, such as the various steps that can be taken prior to implant placement to minimize the chances of complications occurring. In short, when it comes to rebuilding your smile, dental implants can be considered a very reliable option.
Is there anything else you want to know about dental implants? Be sure to let your dentist know during your initial consultation; gathering as much accurate information as possible is essential for ensuring that you ultimately make the right choice for your smile.
About the Author
Dr. Priya Chougule went to the University of Connecticut for her dental education. She has more than 15 years of experience and is a proud alumnus of Spear Education. Her Fort Mill practice, Southlake Family Dentistry, is partnered with local oral surgeons and periodontists who are experts in placing sturdy dental implants. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Chougule, visit her website or call (803) 548-3342.