9 Things You Didn’t Know About Dental Implants

When it comes to dental implants in Newport Beach, most people know they’re an option for replacing missing teeth. But there are numerous characteristics about implants that make them the preferred go-to solution, assuming that you qualify for this revolutionary treatment.

If you’re still early on in your smile rehabilitation process, here are 9 things you need to know about what dental implants have to offer.

1. Dental Implants are Non-Invasive to Other Teeth

More traditional tooth replacement solutions can alter the integrity of the natural teeth you still have. For instance, a dental bridge requires cutting into healthy tooth enamel to create room for the restoration to set on top of the supporting tooth. And removable partials often have clasps that may rub the teeth they rely on for stability. Since dental implants are independent restorations, they do not require any support whatsoever from the teeth on either side. This characteristic alone is why implants are always the preferable missing tooth solution.

2. Getting Implants in Newport Beach is a Minimally-Invasive Process

Believe it or not, getting implants is easier than having a tooth pulled. A small amount of local anesthetic is usually all that’s necessary (but sedation is available if you prefer that route!) Aside from a small opening made in your gum tissue, you’ll feel little to no irritation following your procedure. An over-the-counter pain reliever may not even be necessary.

3. Modern Dental Implants Can Last the Rest of Your Life

Unlike any other type of missing teeth treatment, a properly maintained dental implant can potentially last you an entire lifetime. There’s no supporting tooth at risk of wearing out and the implant itself is integrated with your bone. As long as your gum tissues and bone are healthy, it’s highly unlikely for an implant to fail.

4. You Treat Your Implants Like Natural Teeth

Everyday care of dental implants isn’t much different from how you treat anatomical teeth. As long as you have a good daily hygiene routine of brushing and flossing, you’re good to go. Be sure to schedule regular checkups and dental cleanings at least every six months. If flossing is a bit of a challenge, switch to a water flosser instead!

5. You Don’t Need a 1-to-1 Ratio for Missing Teeth

No, you don’t necessarily need a dental implant for each tooth that’s missing. Depending on how many missing teeth you have, we can pair implants together to permanently support multi-tooth restorations. For example, a pair of implants could easily support a 4-tooth dental bridge. Or if you need to replace all of your teeth in an arch (upper or lower jaw) you may only need 4-6 implants total.

6. You Can Eat Whatever You Want

Dental implants are stronger than any other structure in your body — including tooth enamel. You won’t be limited to what you can eat like you would with a removable denture. The implant can easily bite into and chew things like corn on the cob, steak, and other firmer textures. You’ll have the benefits of improved nutrient intake and digestion, unlike people with missing teeth who have to go on a modified diet.

7. Dental Implants Promote Healthier Bone

When an implant is placed into your jaw, it triggers a process called osseointegration. It’s osseointegration that fuses the implant permanently into place. This new, thin layer of bone around the implant also plays a dual role: it reduces the natural shrinkage that tends to happen when you lose a tooth. In turn, your dental implant and corresponding bone promote a fuller, more youthful-looking facial profile.

8. We Can Specify What They Look Like

A restoration on top of your dental implant is what fills in the visible area of your missing tooth. Depending on how many missing teeth you have and the number of implants involved, this restoration can be a single crown, bridge, or a full-arch prosthesis. But each “tooth” on your restoration will be customized to the exact color, shade, shape, size, and contour as what best fits your smile. They’re not “cookie-cutter”!

9. They’re Biocompatible

The majority of dental implants in Newport Beach are made from a special metal called titanium. Titanium is hypoallergenic and readily accepted by the body. It’s also the choice material for things like joint replacement. Essentially, your body and immune system treat it as if it’s supposed to be there, rather than reject it as a foreign body. 

Dental Implants in Newport Beach

Are you considering replacing your missing teeth with dental implants? Reserve a consultation at The Center For Restorative & Cosmetic Dentistry today to find out if you qualify. Our leading Newport Beach dentist, Dr. Yazdan, will work with you one-on-one to select the best option for restoring your smile. Contact us today for an appointment

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