An alternative to dentures or bridgework, dental implants are becoming a common solution for tooth loss. Millions of people now have them. When you get dental implants in Van Nuys, CA, or from a provider anywhere in the nation, the process requires a surgical procedure. It helps to be informed while knowing some cool facts can put you at ease too.
Here are some facts you should know if considering dental implants:
- 1. Dental Implants Are Not a New Idea: In ancient China, lost teeth were replaced using carved bamboo pegs as early as 2000 BCE. The Mayans were using pieces of seashells as implants around 600 AD. In Europe, it was common practice from the 1500s to 1800s to replace missing teeth with those from cadavers, while artificial roots and orthopedic screw fixtures were experimented with in the early 1900s. After a period of experimentation, titanium became the preferred dental implant material by the mid-1960s.
- 2. A Dental Implant Can Last the Rest of Your Life: Unlike dentures that wear out after about a decade, dental implants can last many decades and even for the rest of your life. They usually don’t need to be replaced. Just remember to brush, floss, and get regular dental checkups so they’re properly cared for.
- 3. The Procedure Is Better Than Pulling a Tooth: The concept of dental implants may sound invasive, but it does not require the force and pressure that pulling out a tooth does. It’s also less painful. A patient is sedated during the procedure and receives pain medication afterward. Also, a much smaller area is affected than when a tooth is pulled.
- 4. Implants Can Help Strengthen the Jawbone: Tooth loss can lead to the deterioration of underlying bone. After the titanium post is implanted, the bone and implant fuse together. A growth process called osseointegration occurs. It can actually make your jawbone stronger.
- 5. You Can Eat Anything: With dental implants, you’re not limited to soft foods. They won’t slip out of place as dentures can. Implants function just like natural teeth, allowing you to bite, chew, and swallow any type of food as you normally would.
- 6. Dental Implants Don’t Develop Cavities: While they look and feel like natural teeth, dental implants are not vulnerable to cavities. Plaque won’t eat away at the implant surface. Therefore, you won’t need fillings for a dental implant. Just continue to brush and floss regularly to prevent gum disease.
- 7. Nearly Anyone Can Get a Dental Implant: We’ve provided dental implants in Van Nuys, CA, to all kinds of people. From teenagers to seniors, anyone can benefit from implants for the rest of their life. However, children aren’t eligible as implants will fail unless the jawbone is fully developed.
- 8. Dental Implants Are Made Using Space-Age Technology: Titanium was originally used in the construction of rockets and spaceships. It’s the same metal used for the implant post, as it creates a perfect bond with bone tissue. Therefore, an implant becomes as strong as a natural tooth.
- 9. Implants Protect Your Existing Teeth: The damage doesn’t end with the loss of a tooth. In fact, it is just beginning. A gap can cause nearby teeth to shift. People who lose teeth often have swollen gums, jaw pain, and additional tooth loss. Dental implants prevent shifting and can fully restore your dental health.
- 10. Dental Implants Never Need to Be Soaked In a Cup: A set of dentures must be removed and soaked overnight to prevent bacterial growth. It can also be stressful on the gums. None of these issues are concerns with dental implants. You never need to take them out to clean them. Regular brushing and flossing will do.
Book Your Consultation at OraBell Dental Implant Centers
We use cutting-edge technologies and techniques to provide dental implants in Van Nuys, CA. Patients in Los Angeles and beyond benefit from single-tooth, multiple-tooth, and full-arch implants. To schedule your free consultation, call 818-798-0024 or contact us online.
