Missing one, several, or all of your teeth can have a dramatic effect on your day-to-day life, impacting your ability to do basic tasks like eating and speaking. Tooth loss can also have dire consequences for your dental health, leading to an increased risk in gum disease and additional tooth loss. Dental implants are a modern, leading-edge answer to missing teeth that allows you to regain a whole and functional smile again! Read on to learn four surprising facts that may encourage you to take the first step on your journey to rejuvenate your grin.
Dental Implants Can Preserve the Jawbone
Many people aren’t aware that dental implants have the ability to preserve the jawbone structure, which usually erodes after teeth go missing. This occurs because the roots of the teeth are no longer stimulating the jawbone, providing it with blood and nutrients to grow. Because dental implants are made from a biocompatible metal (titanium), they’re able to chemically fuse with the jawbone when placed into it. This allows them to function just like the natural tooth roots and keep the bone from deteriorating with time.
In 1937, the First Implant Post Was Placed
While the modern dental implant procedure that we know today has changed drastically over the years, many people are surprised to learn that the first ever screw implant was placed long ago, in 1937. While the technology to place them was limited, they were still able to successfully screw the implant post in the patient’s jawbone, allowing the procedure to advance dramatically over the next nearly nine decades.
Every Year, About 500,000 People Get Dental Implants
The American Academy of Implant Dentistry, which was founded in 1951, estimates that over three million people have dental implants in the United States alone, with that number projected to increase by about 500,000 every year. This procedure’s rising popularity has made it a top choice to replace missing teeth!
Dental Implants Boast a 95% Success Rate Over 10 Years
There have been countless modern studies that show the long-term success of dental implants, with more coming out each day. While there are a variety of factors that play into the long-term success rate of dental implants, like medical history, dental hygiene practices, and more, those deemed as good candidates for the procedure are able to enjoy a 95% success rate after 10 years of placement. Some dental implants have been proven to last well over 30 years with good maintenance, allowing patients to maintain their whole smiles without the lingering worry of having to replace their implants.
About the Author
Dr. Rafiq Hirji is a highly skilled dentist with over 10 years of experience and advanced training under his belt. He has achieved specialty training in Level 2 sedation, cosmetic dentistry, and more, and is able to complete start-to-finish dental implant treatment under one roof. This allows his patients to stick with the same reliable team throughout their entire journey. For questions or to schedule a consultation, visit Daily Smiles MacArthur Dental & Orthodontics’ website or call 972-947-9625.