5 Little-Known Facts About Dental Implants That May Surprise You

Dental implants have quickly become the gold standard way to replace missing teeth. Over time, millions of patients across the US have had their smiles successfully restored. Though they’ve been around for many years, there are still several lesser-known facts about them that might surprise you! Read on to learn five intriguing details about dental implants that you may not know.

1: Implant Fixtures are Made of Titanium

One of the key reasons dental implants are so successful is because they are made of titanium. But what’s so special about it? This metal is highly biocompatible, so it integrates well with human bone. Titanium’s ability to successfully fuse with your jawbone (osseointegration) makes it the perfect foundation for a replacement tooth.

2: Dental Implants Can’t Get Cavities

Unlike natural teeth, implants simply can’t get cavities. The materials used to make the implant, abutment, and crown aren’t affected by oral bacteria, so the acids they produce don’t cause decay. However, it’s important to note that while the implant itself can’t get cavities, good oral hygiene is still vital to support the health of the surrounding gums and bone to prevent implant failure.

3: Implant Surgery is Highly Successful

Dental implants are one of the most successful treatments in dentistry! Across the board, they boast a success rate of 95 percent or more. The success of the implant largely depends on the patient’s oral hygiene, the quality of their jawbone, and the expertise of the dentist performing the procedure. However, with proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime.

4: Implants Are Almost as Strong as Natural Teeth

One of the most impressive aspects of dental implants is their strength. Once fully fused with your jawbone, these implants can withstand the same biting and chewing forces as natural teeth. In practice, this restores up to 70 percent of your original bite force, allowing you to enjoy your favorite foods without an issue!

5: Dental Implants Preserve Your Jawbone

When a tooth is lost, the jawbone in that area begins to deteriorate due to lack of stimulation. Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that keeps that from happening. By becoming an artificial tooth root, implants help support the structure of your face. In turn, this prevents the sunken appearance that sometimes occurs due to missing teeth.

Hopefully, these lesser-known facts have helped you get a better idea of the capabilities of dental implants. If you think you may benefit from this fantastic tooth replacement treatment, call your dentist! They can walk you through the process and help you achieve a sturdy and brilliant smile.

About the Author

Dr. Reintjes is a highly experienced dentist with over 30 years of experience. After earning his dental doctorate from the Case Western Reserve University School of Dentistry, he underwent advanced training to improve his skills. Today, he offers high-quality dental implants and other treatments to help his patients achieve incredible smiles. Call (559) 438-6684 to schedule a dental implant consultation at Byron L. Reintjes, DDS, or visit our website to explore other treatments we offer.