Dental Implant Facts and Figures You Should Know

Dental implants change lives. One of the most popular types of tooth replacements looks and feels like natural teeth and provides a long-lasting solution to gaps and missing teeth. With dental implant surgery, you´ll regain your normal biting and chewing activity and enjoy a boost in self-confidence, especially if you dread seeing yourself in photos with missing and damaged teeth. If you’re considering the procedure, here are some fascinating dental implant facts to chew over.

Lots of People Have Dental Implants

According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, 3 million people in the USA have dental implants, and about 500,000 new implants are placed each year.

You Can Wave Goodbye To Cavities

Dental cavities are holes in the teeth that can be very painful and may lead to infection and abscesses. Unlike natural teeth, dental implants don´t get cavities, so no more fillings. However, you will still have to maintain good oral hygiene practices and look after any remaining original teeth. These can still get cavities.

Dental Implants Are Easy To Look After

Once the implant site has fully healed following treatment, regular brushing and flossing are required to care for your new teeth.

Dental Implants Protect Against Bone Loss

A consequence of tooth loss is that the jawbone supporting the missing tooth recedes. The mouth can then look sunken, making a person appear older than their years. To remain strong, the jawbone needs the pressure and forces of biting and chewing. However, when a tooth is missing, it no longer transfers these forces, so the bone starts to deteriorate. The longer a tooth is missing, the weaker the jawbone becomes.

Since implants are anchored into your jaw like natural teeth, they send the same pressure signals which keep your jawbone healthy.

Dental Implants Turn Back The Clock

The appearance of your teeth can make you look older or younger. Rotten, discolored, and missing teeth can give your smile an aged look. However, implants will shave years off you by restoring damaged teeth, filling in spaces left by missing teeth, and giving you a bright, youthful smile.

You Can Eat Almost Anything

Dental implants function in the same way as natural teeth because they fuse with the surrounding jawbone and can therefore withstand chewing and biting forces. Once the implants have healed, you will be able to eat just about anything.

Dental Implants Are Like Rockets

Don´t worry; they´re not going to take off and send you into orbit. Implants are made of titanium, a low-density, high-strength metal used extensively in rockets because it can withstand the high temperatures of space and is resistant to corrosion. Titanium’s strength and corrosion-resistant qualities make it an ideal material for implants.

Dental Implant Surgery Is Safe

Dental implant surgery involves placing a prosthesis into the jawbone and is not a complicated or dangerous procedure. It is a routine treatment performed by thousands of dentists daily.

Dental Implants Last a Long, Long Time

Currently, dental experts claim the average lifespan of implants is around 20 years, but more and more are lasting longer than that.

Dental Implants Are As Old As The Hills

Another fascinating dental implant fact is the earliest implant procedure was performed on a proto-Mediterranean woman about 9,000 years ago. Her skull was discovered in Algeria during excavations in the 1950s. One of her teeth had been replaced with a small-sized bone that had fused with her jawbone.

There are also records of bamboo pegs being used as implants in China 4,000 years ago. And historians know that implants were put into ancient Egyptian mouths. Skulls have been discovered with transplanted teeth made from jade and elephant ivory.

Dental Implants Look Like Natural Teeth

Implants look like natural teeth. Whether you have one, two or more implants, nobody will be able to tell them apart from your original teeth.

Dental Implants Have A High Success Rate

According to studies, dental implants have a success rate of around 95%. A few factors impact a successful outcome, including the health of the mouth and jawbone. Follow your dentist´s advice, look after your implants, and your procedure should have a very successful and long-lasting outcome.

How Can I Schedule A Consultation?

Are you looking for a tooth replacement solution that is strong, reliable and natural-looking? If so, consider dental implants. To learn more about this restorative treatment, contact the friendly and highly experienced team at Chesterfield Dentistry. We´ll explain the process behind implants and design a customized treatment to help you achieve your goals. Please feel free to schedule a consultation by contacting us at (314) 786 3360 or making a booking online.