Dental implant surgery is essential for correcting flaws in teeth and restoring a good smile. The implants are used to replace teeth roots to restore function. These implants help improve the appearance of your teeth since they are designed to fuse with the jawbone. They can enhance comfort in the mouth, especially when eating. They are also convenient as they are permanent and last for many years.
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Here are some surprising facts about dental implants.
They are Extremely Strong
Dental Implants are very strong since they are made from titanium, the same material used to make spaceships. They match the durability and strength of natural teeth and allow people to bite and chew normally.
The implant is usually placed into the jawbone and then fused into the bone. This makes it strong and maintains the same strength as a tooth root. You can expect a dental implant to last your whole life given proper care.
They are Old
Since the old days, people have always tried to fix their teeth using mechanical methods. Ancient Chinese in 2000 BCE used bamboo to replace teeth while the Mayans in 600 AD used seashells as implants. Throughout the 1930s and 50s, dentists conducted numerous experiments with implants to determine the material that worked best.
Some dentists tried using other people’s teeth, especially from corpses, but these were not successful. The breakthrough came in 1965 when dentists used titanium implants for the first time. The procedure has been perfected over the years to improve strength, comfort, and durability.
The Surgery Is Safe
Contrary to popular opinion, dental implant surgery is not complicated, and it’s 100% safe when done by a qualified and certified dentist. The surgery involves inserting a prosthesis into the jaw bone, and it’s a routine procedure for many dentists. It is one of the most successful surgeries, with about a 98% success rate. If your jawbone is strong enough to support an implant and you do not have any underlying medical health problems, you can undergo the procedure.
They Improve Your Dental Hygiene and Health
Titanium implants cannot get cavities meaning they cannot decay like natural teeth. This eliminates the pain that comes with dental cavities and the need for having fillings. However, you still have to take care of your teeth by maintaining proper oral hygiene to protect your natural teeth.
The titanium implant fuses with your jawbone, which strengthens it and increases its durability. The implant and jaw will grow together in a process called osseointegration. This also makes it easier to take care of the implants since you only need to floss and brush them.
When you lose your natural tooth, you also lose the bone supporting it. The jawbone recedes while changing in shape, which also affects your mouth’s condition. After some time, your mouth may look concave, causing the appearance of wrinkles around the mouth.
Implants help to prevent bone loss and maintain the shape of your mouth. Titanium implants also restore your ability to bite and chew. You can enjoy a healthy diet and speak normally after dental implant surgery.
They are Less Painful
Dental implant surgery offers a more permanent solution to replacing your tooth. Other methods such as dentures and bridges do not last long and have other complications. It is also less painful than pulling a tooth which exerts a lot of pressure affecting a wide area. The surgery is very precise, and you are under sedation throughout the procedure. The post-surgery period is also pleasant, and it takes just a few days to restore normal function.
They are Popular
Dental implant surgery is very popular, and many people have undergone the procedure. They are over half a million dental implant surgeries each year. The implants mimic natural teeth and look almost identical. You can have a perfectly normal smile after the surgery, and there are few risks involved. Moreover, the procedure is more affordable than you may think. Since they last for long and require less care, they can reduce your expenses over time.
Dental implants will help to fix your smile and restore your confidence. This will help boost your self-esteem and improve your oral health. It’s crucial that you know as much as possible about dental implant surgery before having one. You can ask your dentist questions about the procedure to feel more comfortable.