If you’ve considered dental implants, you may think you know enough about them. That they’re the gold standard of tooth replacement can seem like the only truth worth grasping. However, you’d do well to learn the little-known facts about dental implants; those tidbits would help you decide whether the metal posts truly suit your smile. Your Virginia Beach dentist will even share some with you to get things started. To that end, read on to discover some lesser-known dental implant truths.
They Don’t Take Much Maintenance
Since dental implants work so well, you could easily assume they have high upkeep as a downside. That said, the metal posts are actually quite easy to maintain.
Don’t forget that dental implants behave like natural teeth. Because they fuse with your jaw, you don’t need to use adhesives or creams to secure them. Patients also don’t need to remove these restorations for daily cleanings, as you can brush and floss them like your other teeth.
They’re as Strong as Natural Teeth
While “artificial,” dental implants aren’t as flimsy as they may sound at first. These replacement teeth are just about as strong as your natural ones!
You see, each dental implant uses high-grade titanium for its base. This material is sturdy in itself and allows the posts to fuse with your jawbone. Given that fact, dental implants have the same durability as your missing tooth roots and remain firmly rooted; they’ll bite and chew like all your other teeth.
They Keep Your Jaw from Eroding
When dental implants “fill in” your smile’s gaps, they don’t just repair your grin. They also prevent your jaw and face from losing bone tissue.
Indeed, untreated tooth loss can lead to facial collapse that makes your face look sunken. The good news is dental implants stop your jaw’s bone loss by stimulating its tissue. By chewing and biting with them, your jawbone should stay as strong and firm as ever.
They Partly Depend on Your Diet
You probably know that dental implants can chew foods in ways other tooth replacements can’t. Still, your diet can greatly affect whether these metal posts work.
Even if they aren’t “real” teeth, dental implants will fail if you treat them carelessly. Chewing sugary foods could cause cavities or gum disease, putting the metal posts at risk. Similarly, biting a hard object (nuts, ice, etc.) forcefully could chip them and force you to get replacements. You’ll want to tailor your diet around soft and sugar-free meals to ensure your dental implants stays safe.
The points above are only a few of the little-known facts about dental implants. If you’d like to learn others, consult your dental provider!
About the Practice
Smile by Design is based in Virginia Beach, VA. Led by Drs. Santos, Folck, and Squire, our practice aims to give every patient attentive and positive dentistry. That means we tailor our preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments to your specific smile and its unique needs! Whether you need a dental checkup or quality dental implants, you can be sure we’ll help your mouth thrive. For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at.