What You Don’t Know About Dental Implants May Surprise You

Dental implants are a true wonder of modern dentistry. They look and function just like real teeth, allowing patients to enjoy a varied and nutritious diet while protecting their jaws from bone loss and atrophy. While half a million people receive dental implants every year, there are many common misconceptions about them floating around. Here are a few interesting facts about dental implants to help clear those up.

Dental Implants Are Immune to Cavities

The enamel layer of our natural teeth is porous and biodegradable, making them vulnerable to tooth decay. Dental implants, on the other hand, are made out of non-porous porcelain and titanium, making them completely immune to tooth decay. However, this does not absolve the patient from practicing excellent oral hygiene. Gum disease is the leading cause of dental implant failure, making it crucial for implant patients to brush and floss just like they would with their natural teeth.

Dental Implants Have an Incredibly High Success Rate

Dental implants boast a whopping 95% success rate, making them a sound investment for your self-image and your overall health. Before a patient can receive dental implants, they will have to have a consultation with their dentist to make sure that they’re a good candidate. During one of these meetings, your dentist will discuss your goals with you and also thoroughly inspect your mouth. If they find any gum disease, it will have to be resolved before implants can be placed. In some cases, a patient may need bone grafts to reinforce their jawbones before the procedure.

Dental Implants Have Significant Health Benefits

Smiling has measurable effects on your mood and health because it relieves stress and stimulates the flow of endorphins in your body. Sadly, people with missing teeth may be shy about showing their smiles off. Dental implants can restore confidence in your smiling ability, making it easier and more fun for you to flash your smile generously at friends and strangers alike.

Dental implants can also address the problem of bone loss in the jaw. After a tooth is lost, the jawbone loses the stimulation it needs to remain strong and healthy, causing it to atrophy and recede. This can pull neighboring teeth out of alignment, making them more vulnerable to injury and decay, while also causing the mouth to slowly sink into the face, giving the patient a withered and elderly appearance. Dental implants restore this lost exercise to the jawbone, allowing them to prevent or even reverse this process.

Dental implants are the best available way to replace lost teeth. Consulting with your dentist can determine if dental implants are a great treatment for you.

About the Practice

Harris Parkway Dental Care provides excellent dental healthcare services to the community of Fort Worth, TX. Led by Drs. Yaritza Vazquez and Rasheed Zahawi, the staff delivers effective and compassionate treatments in a friendly and welcoming office environment. Areas of expertise include preventive, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as dental implant services. To schedule a dental implant consultation, contact the office online or dial (817) 423-2223.