Are you considering getting dental implants to replace one or more missing teeth? Make sure that you have all of the facts that you need in order to make the treatment decision that is best for you. Here are four things you may not know about dental implants.
Dental implants are not susceptible to cavities or gum disease.
Because dental implants are made of titanium, they are impervious to attack by the oral bacteria that cause tooth decay and periodontal disease. This is reassuring to many patients who may have experienced tooth loss due to one of those conditions. That being said, it’s still essential for patients to practice good oral hygiene habits, as large cavities and gum disease can affect the quality of the bone that supports the dental implant. Your oral surgeon can give you guidance on how to best maintain your oral health after getting dental implants.
Dental implants preserve the integrity of your jawbone in addition to replacing missing teeth.
Much like a biological tooth’s root does, the dental implant holds the jawbone in place in addition to supporting the prosthetic crown (or bridge or denture). When there is no root-like structure associated with a tooth replacement, the jawbone will slowly erode.
There’s no upper age limit for dental implant patients.
The primary consideration for long-term dental implant success is the quality of bone at the implant placement site, not the patient’s age. Therefore, patients can still be good candidates for dental implant placement into their 90s and beyond, as long as they have sufficient bone. Children and adolescents, on the other hand, may not be suitable for dental implant placement until their jaw development is complete, because the dental implant could move out of position as the jaw continues to grow.
Dental implants have no effect on surrounding teeth.
Because the bone bonds with the dental implant, these prosthetic teeth do not need to rely on the adjoining teeth for support. Unlike fixed dental bridges, which require crown placement on healthy teeth to anchor the pontic (prosthetic tooth), dental implants stand alone.
We are happy to consult with any patient who wants more information about dental implants. Please call us at Texas Oral Surgery Specialists to ask any additional questions you may have about this treatment or to schedule an initial appointment.
