5 Surprising Facts about Implants

Of all the modern-day dentistry wonders, dental implants might be the most misunderstood. Even with half a million people of all ages getting dental implants every year, there are still many myths and misconceptions regarding this particular restorative dental procedure.

According to Dr. Matz, one of the dentists here at The Tooth Doc, an implant is probably the most effective method when it comes to restoring function. Implants are perfect for replacing missing teeth. But that’s not all.

We thought we would share five facts about dental implants that just might surprise you.

1. Dental implants are cavity-proof.

Unlike your natural teeth, dental implants are pretty much decay and cavity-proof because they are made from titanium and porcelain. But, and this is the important bit, even though your implants won’t get cavities, the rest of your natural teeth can. If you don’t look after your implant, there is a good chance that the surrounding area will become infected, or at the least, suffer from periodontal or gum disease.

To prevent this from happening, Dr. May—another dentist here on the team—recommends that you maintain your dental health routine with daily brushing, flossing, and rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash. Also, visits to your dentist still apply.

2. Dental implants have a 95% success rate and can restore 70% or more of your chewing ability

This fact might seem like a mouthful, but so are the many benefits of dental implants. While everyone likes to spread the not-so-good news, dental implants actually have a 95% success rate, which is pretty incredible in our opinion. This rate is set to increase as technology advances, and patients learn to take better care of their implants.

While we’re talking about success rates and percentages, traditional dentures, or false teeth, give you approximately 30% chewing power, whereas implants can restore up to 70% of your chewing ability. What this means is that someone with a dental implant can bite into their favorite foods without having to worry about their dentures landing on a dinner guest’s plate.

Unlike dentures, implants also won’t shift or become loose.

3. When you have dental implants, you need to be aware of your diet.

Though this might sound like a bit of a contradiction. People with implants will have to be aware of their diet and make the necessary changes for the first six months to a year. While you can certainly eat a wider variety of foods than someone with dentures or missing teeth, you still have to be careful of some types of food while your implant is still bonding with your jaw bone.

For example, hard, crunchy foods are a definite no-no during healing, as is using your teeth to open bottles or packets. Biting your nails and chewing ice are also two bad habits that can disturb the implant, undoing all the healing you’ve been doing.

Osseointegration (the process by which the bone grows around the implant) takes time. It’s best not to disturb the process, even if it means doing without your favorite crunchy snack for a while.

4. A dental implant will restore your teeth, as well as your self-confidence.

“I can’t wait to get my very first pair of dentures,” said no one ever. Traditional dentures as we know them are symbols of old age and frailty, but it is certainly not the case with implants. Suitable for any age, dental implants give you back your smile and boost your confidence.

Not only do they look like your real teeth, but they also function just as well, if not better in some cases. Dr. Matz believes that as dental technology advances, so too will the different restorative procedures, including implants.

5. Dental implants are relatively inexpensive.

When you choose to have dental implants, you are choosing to invest in your dental health and overall well-being. And sometimes, it is the least expensive option when considering other treatments to try to salvage a tooth that is overly damaged or decayed.

However, we understand that not everyone can easily afford the investment. So you can pay using MasterCard, American Express, Visa or Discover. We also offer affordable finance options through CareCredit.

Something we are particularly proud of is The Tooth Doc Membership Club, which is for those patients who don’t have dental insurance. There are three different memberships available, and what’s more, loyal patients can save money on other treatments too.

Dr. Matz and Dr. May

Dr. Matz knew he wanted to be a dentist by age four, and his passion for dentistry has never waned. Dr. May decided while attending Creighton University she wanted to be a dentist. And she went after it.

The Tooth Doc in Omaha, Nebraska is one of the few anxiety-free family dentistries in the area, treating every member of the family for over 25 years.

If you are keen to find out about dental implants, book an appointment today, and they will give you something to smile about.

Also read Implant-Supported Dentures vs. Traditional Dentures