8 Important Things You May Not Know About Dental Implants

Back in the day, if you suffered severe facial damage, tooth decay, or other oral health problems, you most likely faced tooth extraction to prevent further damage and save any remaining healthy teeth. Inevitably, a denture would be recommended to restore functionality and aesthetics. However, as you may know from friends or family, dentures are no match for natural teeth.

The good news is that nowadays, you don’t have to wonder how it would feel to have a full set of healthy teeth again, as dental implants have revolutionized restorative dentistry and are the most popular option for improving oral health and quality of life. Dental implants enable people to talk and eat as they did with their natural teeth and smile freely with confidence.

If your dentist has suggested implants to bring back your smile, then here’s everything you should know about same-day dental implants.

1. Dental implants feel, look and function like natural teeth

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots inserted into the jawbone, pretty much like natural teeth, only they’re made from strong titanium metal rather than bone. Similar to natural teeth, you can bite and chew with dental implants, safe in the knowledge that they won’t move around or fall out like dentures. Unlike dentures, implants fuse with the jawbone to become a permanent feature in the mouth, meaning they feel and function like natural teeth. Moreover, because the crowns of implants are matched to any remaining teeth, your smile will look seamlessly beautiful.

2. Implants are cost-effective in the long-term

While initially, same-day implants are expensive, in the long term, they are more cost-effective than other restorative methods like bridges and dentures. Because implants imitate natural teeth, with good oral care, they can last a lifetime. Even though dentures and bridges cost less upfront, they will need to be replaced every few years as the jawbone changes shape due to bone loss.

3. You will still look like you

Missing teeth don’t just mar a beautiful smile; over time, they cause a person’s face to droop and sink. Dentures provide a temporary fix, whereas dental implants offer a more permanent solution.

Because dental implants are fused with the jawbone, they provide the necessary stimulation to prevent bone loss and jaw deterioration, so your facial appearance remains the same. Dentures, on the other hand, cannot put a halt to bone loss because they simply sit on top of the gums. 

4. Just brush and floss as normal

Over time, most people find they need messy denture adhesive to keep their dentures in place. With dental implants, all you have to do is brush and floss them as you do with natural teeth and ensure you visit your dentist for regular check-ups and cleaning. While implants can’t get cavities, you mustn’t let your oral hygiene lapse because it’s still possible to develop gum disease around the implants and cavities in neighboring teeth.

5. Support for existing teeth

Unfortunately, tooth extraction alone doesn’t solve problems associated with missing teeth, and more restorative treatments will be required. Why? Because the gap left by a missing tooth causes the adjacent teeth to shift in an attempt to compensate for the space. This only serves to prolong any symptoms you may have already been suffering from, such as swollen gums and jaw pain. In the worst-case scenario, damage or infection can spread to the surrounding teeth, causing them to loosen and fall out too. 

Same-day implants prevent this from happening and put a stop to your dental problems. That’s because implants permanently fill the gaps left behind by tooth extraction and function like natural teeth, preventing shifting and reinfection. Implants generally last, on average, 25 years, with failure only occurring if a person reverts back to poor oral hygiene, smokes, or develops uncontrolled diabetes.

6. Dental implants use the same material as a space rocket

Were you aware that dental implants are manufactured from titanium – the same material used in F1 racing cars and space rockets? Needless to say, they’re incredibly strong and designed to withstand daily wear and tear from everyday oral functions.

7. Anyone can benefit from a dental implant

Dental problems like tooth decay, gum disease, and cavities can occur at any age. Because a full set of teeth is required for basic oral functions throughout life, a permanent solution is best.

Adults of any age can receive dental implants once their dentist has confirmed they are a good candidate. Children aren’t eligible for implants because their jawbone is still growing, and this could cause implant failure as bones move to accommodate permanent new teeth.

8. You may be eligible for same-day dental implants

Same-day implants provide speedy tooth restoration, enabling a person to smile, speak and eat much faster than normal. The process isn’t limited to single implants either. An entire arch of missing teeth can be restored by no more than four dental implants supporting them. Typically this is a temporary fix while a patient waits for their gums to heal before their permanent crowns can be attached.

To learn more about same-day implants and see if you’re a suitable candidate, why not get in touch with Dr Akinwande at Chesterfield Dentistry? Call at 314-936-3621 to schedule an implant consultation.

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