Just what advantages do dental implants offer patients? You may know that they replace missing teeth, but their other benefits may not be apparent. How do they differ from dentures? How well do they work on a day-to-day basis?

To help answer these questions, here’s a summary of five key facts about dental implants. Hopefully, it’ll help you see that implants are a great treatment that you might pursue in the future.

Fact 1: Implants Restore Smiles & Self-Confidence

Implants do more than take up space — they improve your smile, strengthening physical and mental health.

Missing teeth cause a lot of harm when left untreated. The gaps lead surrounding teeth to tilt, prompting further tooth loss, tooth decay, and even facial collapse. Fortunately, dental implants eliminate the gaps with natural-looking tooth substitutes, giving you a full smile that preserves poise and oral health.

Fact 2: Implants Have a High Success Rate & Help You Chew

With an impressive 95% success rate, dental implants are extremely reliable and effective. This is in large part due to the innovative fusion of the dental implant to the jawbone (which is referred to as osseointegration).

Implants are also great for chewing food. Dentures provide 30% of normal chewing power, whereas implants can restore 70% of your chewing ability. Therefore, someone with a dental implant can eat foods without major obstacles.

Fact 3: Implants Are a Great Long-Term Investment

Even if their upfront cost is slightly high, dental implants have a great return on investment.

Taken care of properly, they can last for over 30 years. They’ll also preserve your jawbone by preventing loss of bone tissue, saving you money on restorative treatments in the future. Dentists even make implant services more affordable with dental insurance and flexible financing, perhaps making dental implants your least expensive option in the long run.

Fact 4: Dental Implants are Decay-Proof

Due to their titanium and porcelain materials, implants don’t experience decay or cavities like natural teeth. Combined with their lengthy lifespan, it’s unlikely they’ll ever need to be replaced.

Even so, implants should still be looked after. The gums and teeth surrounding them can still experience decay and infection, so tending to them will prevent negative outcomes.

Fact 5: Dental Implants Have Dietary Guidelines (At First)

Even though they work like real teeth, dental implants involve some short-term changes to your diet.

During the first six months to a year following implantation, you’ll have to be careful of some foods while your implant continues bonding with your jawbone. Many meals aren’t a problem, thus allowing you to eat a good variety of items. However, hard, crunchy foods should be restricted while the implant heals. Instead, stick with yogurt, applesauce, oatmeal, and soup in the beginning.

Next time you consider dental implants, keep the above facts in mind so that you’ll know what they can do!

About the Practice

Monet Aesthetic Dentistry of Farmington, MI., is an excellent oral health provider. Its dentist, Dr. Leslie Metzger, strives for the best results and offers treatment for the whole family. The practice also emphasizes preventive, emergency, and restorative dentistry. Said emphasis extends to dental implants as well, which its team applies with both quality and care.  For more information or to schedule an appointment, the practice can be reached at its website or by phone at (248)-476-3410.