If you’re considering replacing missing teeth with permanent, lifelike dental implants but are concerned about whether this treatment is safe, there’s good news. Although they do require surgery, they are considered extremely safe and boast a 95 percent success rate, even 10+ years after placement. Here’s a closer look at this incredible prosthetic, and why there’s no need to worry when it comes to dental implants!
What Are Dental Implants?
Before you can understand why dental implants are so safe, you probably want to know exactly what they are. These dynamic prosthetics are the only permanent tooth replacement option available today. Most dental implants consist of three main parts: the implant (the post that is inserted into the jawbone) the abutment (the piece that connects the dental implant to the crown) and the crown (which can be in the form of a single tooth, bridge, or denture).
The Benefits of Dental Implants
In addition to restoring the appearance and function of your smile, dental implants serve several important purposes that other methods of tooth replacement cannot. First, because they are permanently secured to the jawbone, they provide important stimulation that keeps it healthy and protects your nearby remaining teeth from coming loose. Furthermore, because they have roughly the same biteforce as your real teeth, they allow you to enjoy a full, nutritious diet and help prevent malnutrition. Finally, studies have shown that missing teeth can be harmful to your self-esteem, so replacing missing teeth can even help increase your confidence!
The Dental Implant Process
The dental implant process is typically completed in four important steps: the consultation with your dentist, the surgery, osseointegration (where the implant fuses with the bone), and the delivery of your final restoration (the crown, bridge, or denture). Although the length of the process will vary from patient to patient, it can take anywhere from six months to a year from start to finish.
How to Improve Your Odds of Dental Implant Success
Once you have received your final restoration, you can start using your newly restored smile just like you would your real teeth. You can enjoy a variety of delicious foods, smile with confidence, and speak clearly. However, while your dental implants are extremely lifelike and durable, they aren’t indestructible, so it’s important to take excellent care of them. You can do so by following these guidelines:
- Be sure to main a solid oral hygiene routine, including brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and flossing daily.
- Visit your dentist twice a year for your regular preventive exams and cleanings.
- Do not smoke or use tobacco products.
- Never use your dental implants (or your real teeth, for that matter!) for anything but food; no fingernail biting, chewing pen caps, or using them to tear open packaging.
- Avoid using them for anything too hard or sticky, such as crunching on ice cubes or hard candies.
Remember, dental implants are extremely safe, but you’ll need to take care of them if you want them to last. To learn more about this incredible treatment, schedule a consultation with your dentist today!
About Dr. Lopez
Dr. Gilberto Lopez earned both his undergraduate and dental degrees at the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith. He is a current, active member of the American Dental Association, Arkansas State Dental Association, and the River Valley Dental Association. If you’d like to learn more about how safe, beautiful dental implants can restore your healthy smile, schedule a consultation with New Smile Dental, visit our website or call 479-434-4277.