Dental Implants: 4 Important Facts You Should Know

If you have a few missing teeth, there's a good chance you have issues with biting, speech or self-confidence. So, if you're searching for a permanent solution to restore your confidence and tooth functionality, consider dental implants. This guide shares interesting facts you should know about this treatment.

Implants Prevent Jawbone Loss

One downside of losing a tooth is that over time, the bone that supports the missing tooth will wear down. When there is no root, your jawbone will start to recede. And as your jawbone changes shape, it affects your mouth's orientation. For instance, your mouth can look sunken, and wrinkles may start forming around the chin and mouth. Since dental implants appear and have the same strength as natural teeth, you won't experience jawbone loss after the installation. 

Implants Last a Long Time 

Considering the strength of titanium and its resilience against cavities, you should expect your implant to last a long time. Even so, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene by ensuring that you brush twice a day and rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash routinely. If you fail to do this, the surrounding areas will suffer from gum disease.

Implants Require Extra Caution of Your Diet

If you have dental implants, be sure to change your diet within the first six months. Avoid chewing ice and hard or crunchy food during the healing process. After getting an implant, it takes time for the underlying bone to re-grow and cover the implant. So, eating the prohibited foods can lengthen the time of healing.

Implants Take Several Months to Install

When you start this procedure, expect to complete it in a couple of months. Usually, it's impossible to complete the procedure in one or two visits. On your first visit, your dentist will conduct an examination of your jaw and teeth, which may involve X-rays. Once they establish that you are a suitable candidate, they'll attach a titanium implant on the jawbone. They will also stitch your gum tissue during this process. It takes months for the gum to bond with the bone. After healing, your doctor will fit an abutment before attaching a tooth to it.

If you're contemplating getting dental implants, the few facts shared in this guide should help you rethink your stance. And remember that there's no age limit for getting implants as long as your dentist finds your jaw healthy enough to sustain them.


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