If you’re one of the 178 million Americans who are missing teeth, you certainly want to choose the best option to replace them. Today, you have many different solutions to pick from, but it is important to be informed. There is plenty of misinformation out there about tooth replacement options, especially dental implants. Continue reading to learn some interesting facts about dental implants in Lawrenceville and why over 3 million people in the United States have already committed to this type of tooth replacement.
Implants Are Resistant to Tooth Decay
Since dental implants are made from titanium and porcelain, they are cavity proof. However, this does not mean that you can start lacking on your oral hygiene routine. Your natural teeth are still vulnerable, and your implants rely on healthy gum tissue in order to be successful. If you aren’t looking after your implant, there is a chance that you could develop periodontal disease. Continue to brush twice, floss once, and use mouthwash daily to prevent this from occurring.
Dental Implants Boost Your Self-Confidence
Many people who are missing teeth feel embarrassed about the gaps in their smile. However, with dental implants, this is no longer an issue. They function just as well, if not better than your natural teeth did. Your dentist chooses the exact size, shape, and color of your replacement tooth so it can blend in seamlessly with the rest of your smile.
Watching Your Diet Is Necessary
Once your implants completely heal, you can pretty much eat anything you want. However, until then it is important that you are aware of your diet to prevent disturbing the healing process. Foods that are especially hard and crunchy are best avoided. As always, you should also avoid using your teeth to open packaging, bite your nails, chew on ice, or bite down on anything that isn’t food.
Tooth Implants Work!
Dental implants restore much more of your chewing power than other tooth replacement options. For instance, dentures only replace about 30% of your chewing power while implants can restore upwards of 70%. This way, you don’t need to worry about them while you’re eating your favorite foods. Also, implants have a very high success rate of 95%! As the years go on and dental technology advances, this number will only get higher.
Dental Implants Can Be Relatively Inexpensive
Tooth implants are an investment, but a long lasting one. When considering other treatments to salvage your smile, dental implants are often the least expensive option. They last considerably longer than other options like dentures and bridges because they preserve the integrity of the jawbone and are highly durable. Many patients go over 25 years before they need to be replaced.
Ask your dentist if you would be a good candidate for dental implants. They are usually the most effective option for restoring function and will give you your smile back for many years to come.
About the Author
Dr. Bruce E. Carter earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine at the University of Florida College of Dentistry before attending the Louisiana State University School of Dentistry and completing the Cosmetic Dentistry Continuum Level II. He has completed over 1600 hours of advanced training in all sorts of restorative procedures including dental implants. For more information or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Carter, visit his website or call (770) 995-7616.