If you have one or more missing teeth, dental implants have probably come up in conversations with your dentist. They are a popular and reliable tooth replacement option! Still, you might be reluctant to commit to this treatment because you have heard some negative or unappealing reports about it. The truth might surprise you! This blog post explains five little-known facts about dental implants.
1. Implants Can Restore Most of Your Chewing Ability
Natural teeth are able to handle virtually any food — and the same thing is true of dental implants! In many cases, they are able to restore up to 80% or 90% of the bite force that is common with natural teeth. (Of course, that can vary depending on your health and the details of the treatment that your dental team recommends.)
2. Dental Implants Are Consistently Successful
If you have heard horror stories about dental implant failure, you can be confident that those accounts are the exception rather than the rule. In fact, this treatment is successful in around 95% of cases! If you are in good health and stick to good habits, there is very little risk that something will go seriously wrong with your new smile.
3. Dental Implants Look Natural
You might have seen some people with traditional dentures and immediately noticed that they were not natural teeth. Dental implants are different. They rebuild natural teeth from the roots up, and the restorations they support (crowns, bridges, and dentures) are designed to complement each patient’s unique face. Plus, dental implants do not slip and slide around the mouth. They look and feel so natural that you might occasionally forget you have them!
4. Dental Implant Surgery Is Not Scary
The idea of undergoing oral surgery can be intimidating, but there is no need to be afraid of the dental implant procedure. Thanks to local anesthesia and possible sedation, you may not feel anything at all during your surgery. Recovery is also surprisingly easy; most people feel well enough to go back to work within a few days of their appointment.
5. Most People Can Afford Dental Implants
Dental implants cost more than other forms of tooth replacement. However, most people can fit them into their budget with the assistance of insurance and financing. Talk to your dental team to learn about your payment options; you might be pleasantly surprised by what you discover!
Meet the Practice
Drs. Steve Koo and William Shepard are proud to serve the Katy/Cypress community as board-certified oral surgeons. They have many years of combined experience, and they have already helped countless individuals to benefit from dental implants. If you would like to learn more about this form of tooth replacement, our team would be pleased to consult with you. Contact our office at 832-353-1100.