If you have ever lost a tooth, you know how much it can affect your confidence. You might find it difficult to feel good about your smile and maybe self-conscious talking or laughing with others. Fortunately, there are several tooth replacement options that can help. Dental implants are one of the most popular since they have such a high success rate. But what is it about dental implants that makes them so successful? Read on to learn three reasons why this treatment is so dependable.
Reason #1: Dental Implants Preserve Your Jawbone
One of the biggest reasons why it’s so important to replace missing teeth is because of jawbone preservation. Though other tooth replacement options sit on top of the gums, dental implants are the only one that is inserted directly into the jawbone. Once there, they spend the next four to six months fusing with it through a process called osseointegration. This means that they provide it with the necessary stimulation so that it will stay healthy and strong instead of eroding.
Reason #2: Dental Implants Look & Work Like Real Teeth
Another factor that contributes to the success of dental implants is how well they blend in with your smile. For one, dental implants are color matched to the surrounding teeth. They also mimic the way that tooth enamel reflects light. These two things make them seamlessly blend in with your natural pearly whites.
Additionally, dental implants are incredibly durable due to osseointegration. They give you back at least 80% of your bite power, which allows you to eat all the foods you need to keep your oral health in good condition, such as fish, lean meat, dairy, nuts, and fresh fruits and vegetables.
Reason #3: Dental Implants Are Long-Lasting
On average, dental implants can last around 10 to 15 years. Sometimes, they can even last a lifetime. With that being said, they will only last that long if you take proper care of them. A few ways to ensure that your dental implants last as long as possible include:
- Brush your teeth – Brush your teeth once in the morning and once at night for two minutes each time. Use toothpaste that contains fluoride and is non-abrasive. Additionally, use a toothbrush with soft bristles to avoid damage to your implants as well as your tooth enamel.
- Floss every night – Floss your teeth every night to remove 40% of plaque. This will lessen your risk of developing gum disease as well as cavities on your remaining pearly whites.
- Visit your dentist – Make appointments to see your dentist every six months for checkups and cleanings. This is a crucial part of keeping your smile in good condition.
- Quit bad habits – If you smoke cigarettes, drink excessively, or consume too much sugar, cut out these bad habits to lower your chances of implant failure.
Dental implants are an incredibly successful tooth replacement option, but that is only true if you take good care of them. By practicing good oral hygiene and avoiding bad habits, you can enjoy a healthy smile that will last a lifetime!
About the Practice
If you are missing one or more teeth and want to have them replaced with dental implants, Dr. Edward J. Dooley and his team at Dooley Dental are here to help. They can teach you about the proper ways to care for your implants so they last as long as possible as well as why this treatment is so successful. Call Dooley Dental’s office at (732) 974-2288 or visit their website to set up an appointment or for more information.
