Dental implants are widely considered to be the best option for tooth replacement. You may have heard a lot about the benefits they offer, such as their longevity and stability! Still, you might want to know what they do not tell you about dental implants. This blog post contains five facts that might surprise you.
The Surgery Is Not That Scary
The dental implant process requires you to undergo at least one surgery. Granted, that prospect can be scary for some patients. The truth is, though, that dental implant placement is surprisingly comfortable. Thanks to anesthesia and sedation, you may not feel anything at all during the procedure. Afterward, your mouth may be back to feeling normal within just a few weeks (though it can take several months for the underlying bone to heal).
Dental Implants Are Almost as Strong as Natural Teeth
Depending on the type of implant treatment you undergo, your new teeth may have a bite force that is up to 70% or more of what you enjoyed with your natural teeth. That means you should be able to dig into virtually any food with confidence and ease. In contrast, traditional dentures may restore just 25% of your bite force.
You May Need to Modify Your Diet
Although dental implants can equip you to eat virtually anything, you should not expect to be able to enjoy that benefit immediately after you receive them. During the months after your surgery, you may need to be careful about what you eat. Avoiding hard, crunchy, and overly chewy foods can reduce the risk of irritation at your surgical sites.
Dental Implants Might Be More Affordable Than You Think
Dental implants have a reputation for being expensive, and it is true that they cost more than other tooth replacement options, such as dentures. However, most patients can fit implants into their budget. Ask your dentist about insurance coverage and financing options. Most people are eligible for a low-interest installment plan from a third-party lender.
Dental Implants Have Been Around for Thousands of Years
Although dental implants are considered to be a modern tooth replacement solution, the basic concept has actually been around for thousands of years. There is evidence to suggest that ancient cultures, including the Mayans, Egyptians, and Chinese, used things like seashells and bamboo to replace lost teeth. Those ancient implants were largely unsuccessful. Modern implants got their start in the 1960s and gained widespread acceptance in the 1980s.
Has this blog post taught you anything new about dental implants? Talk to your dentist if you would like to learn more about this tooth replacement option.
Meet the Practice
At Family Dental Practice of Bloomfield, we have a large team of dental experts who provide start-to-finish dental implant services. With the use of sedation and other provisions, we strive to make treatment as comfortable and easy as possible. We also offer a number of convenient payment options. To learn more or to request a consultation, contact our office at 860-263-0441.