5 Dental Implant Facts You Should Know
When it comes to replacing missing teeth, implants are the most effective way to restore function and appearance to your smile without disturbing surrounding teeth. But many patients wonder whether the cost of implants is worth it, and how implants can make a noticeable difference compared to a bridge or even partial dentures.
In this post, you will learn five facts about implants to know before choosing them for your mouth.
1. The Visual Tooth You See Isn’t the Implant
That comes from an implant crown, which looks like a natural tooth and covers the abutment, a metal piece that joins the crown and a titanium screw connected to your jaw bone.
The actual tooth part you likely envision when you think of an implant doesn’t happen right away; it’s the last phase of treatment after implant surgery and a recovery period; during that time the screw will fuse to your jaw bone in a process known as osseointegration.
2. Dental Implants Prevent Bone Loss
When you lose teeth, either naturally, from trauma, or extraction, the bone they were attached to no longer receives the stimulation it needs to maintain its strength. As a result, it begins to wear down through a process called resorption.
Partial dentures, full dentures, and bridges do not prevent bone loss; only implants, which fuse to your jawbone, can do that.
3. Implants Protect Surrounding Teeth
Without implants, teeth surrounding gaps can shift, and opposing top teeth can move downwards. This can misalign your bite and cause complications with eating and communicating.
Furthermore, having exposed sockets can increase your risk of gum disease and infection, which can go on to affect other teeth in your mouth.
4. It’s Easy to Maintain Implants
Once they’re fully healed, taking care of your implants is just like maintaining your regular teeth. You’ll brush, floss, and rinse with mouthwash, get cleanings, and be able to enjoy a fully functional smile without any hassle.
5. You Won’t Have to Worry About Cavities
Implants are not real teeth, so they cannot develop caries (cavities) or be impacted by other forms of tooth decay. However, surrounding tissues can still become inflamed, so maintaining proper dental hygiene is essential.
If you would like to learn more about dental implants, contact the office of Dr. Kenneth Egger today! With decades of experience, he offers patients in Mount Pleasant, MI, kind, compassionate, and comprehensive care.
Please submit an online form or call 989-773-3560.