Dental Implant Info: 3 Facts You Might Not Know

Are you seeking a more durable and dependable solution for tooth loss than dentures or dental bridges? If so, you might be a good candidate for dental implants. Many experts consider these restorations to be the gold standard of replacement teeth due to their unique placement in the jaw. Unlike the alternatives, they eventually fuse with the bone to become a more permanent part of your mouth.

However, it’s important to be well-informed before making a decision regarding a potential procedure. With that in mind, read on to learn 3 facts about dental implants that you might not already know!

Fact #1: They Don’t Decay

If you’re on the fence about proceeding with this treatment because you’re worried your new teeth might develop cavities, you can thankfully set your concerns aside! Implants aren’t made of the same organic material as your teeth, so bacteria in your mouth don’t impact them the same way, and they won’t decay.

For example, they typically contain a titanium rod, which is biocompatible but known for resisting corrosion. This is usually capped with a dental crown made with customizable ceramic that’s less porous than your enamel and doesn’t contain nerves or pulp.

But that doesn’t mean that you don’t have to worry about your oral health anymore. If you don’t brush and floss regularly, you could develop gum disease or decay that impacts the tissues holding your restoration in place, which can contribute to its failure.

Fact #2: They Have A Long History

Would you be surprised to learn that people have been using dental implants to close gaps in their smiles, potentially for thousands of years? Archaeologists have found evidence in archeological sites from various ancient cultures indicating that they used local materials to replace missing teeth.

For instance, around 2000 B.C., Chinese people used bamboo pegs, and there is a record of an ancient Egyptian king using a copper peg in place of a lost tooth around 1000 B.C. There’s also evidence that the Mayans used stone, wood, seashells, and other precious stones for this purpose around 600 A.D. These materials are usually rejected by the human body, so it’s believed the first replacement teeth were intended mostly for cosmetic purposes.

Fact #3: They’re Highly Successful

Although there’s a slight chance your dental implants could fail, it’s thankfully not very probable. This procedure has an incredibly high success rate of more than 90%, meaning that you are unlikely to experience any complications as long as they’re placed by a qualified provider and  you follow their post-op directions carefully.

Today, these teeth are made with customizable, biocompatible materials designed to function more like natural teeth, providing lifelike results that boost your confidence.

About the Practice

Patients at Bear Creek Family Dentistry benefit from a team of providers dedicated to helping people of all ages build and maintain beautiful, healthy smiles. They collaborate to provide a comprehensive menu of services to meet all your family’s needs, whether you require routine preventive services or a more complex procedure, like dental implants. They have the in-depth training and state-of-the-art equipment to place and restore your new teeth in the office for a more convenient, streamlined experience. You can request an appointment on the website or call one of their conveniently located offices near you!