Don't Let a Missing Tooth Hold You Back in Life

3 Answers to Common Concerns About Dental Implants

by Wyatt Morgan

Plenty of people have come to appreciate dental implants. This long-lasting solution to tooth loss is one of the most highly favored methods among dentists and patients alike. However, the process of getting dental implants is more permanent and invasive than getting dental bridges or dentures. If you have questions, here is a look at some things to know before getting dental implants.

Titanium Safety

Unlike dentures and bridges, dental implants require placing an implant inside the gums. This implant is a tiny titanium peg, which varies in size depending upon whether you get regular or mini dental implants. The implant is surgically implanted, and then the gums are sealed up around it, only letting a small metal knob on the top remain exposed. This is where your dental crown will eventually be mounted.

The implant itself raises some concerns with potential dental implant adopters. However, there's no real need for worry. Dental implants are made out of titanium, which is a very safe material. It's typically used in other medical applications as well, like knee implants, or repairing severe breaks. The body doesn't have a negative reaction to titanium like it can with other metals like copper, so you don't need to worry about having the implant in your gums.

Sensations

When you lose a tooth, the nerves that are in that tooth are gone for good. This means that the same level of sensation that you once had in your real tooth won't ever quite be the same. However, dental implants can get you a lot closer to what you're used to than any other dental replacement method.

Dentures and bridges both sit over the surface of your gums. When you bite down on them, they push down on your gums, but that's about it. Dental implants, due to being partially under the surface, absorb pressure and release some of that energy into the gums. Since your gums still have nerve endings, this will feel much more similar to when you had all your teeth than if you choose a different replacement.

Risk of Loss or Damage 

If you know people who have had dental bridges or dentures, chances are you know that there's a possibility of these replacements being lost or damaged. While nothing is 100% immune from damage, the likelihood of anything bad happening with your dental implants is extremely low.

Dental implants are very strong because of their titanium base. Being partially hidden under the gums and supported by your jaw bone also helps to strengthen them. Most importantly, it secures your implant just as well as a real tooth. A simple injury like getting hit in the face by an airbag might be enough to cause a break or dislodge dentures or bridges, but the same isn't typically true of implants.

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