Dental implants can be a great alternative to getting dentures or having bridgework done. But before you decide to get some, it’s important to do your research. You should know exactly what it is you’re getting into.

Here are six things you should know:

• Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth

One of the first things you should know about dental implants is that they look and feel like regular teeth. They’re not obvious prosthetics the way gold teeth are, for example.

The reason dental implants are so close to the real thing is that they are connected to your jawbone via medical-grade titanium. After they have healed, you’ll hardly be able to tell the difference between them and your natural teeth (and others definitely won’t). 

• The surgery isn’t dangerous

It’s normal to feel anxious or scared about any type of surgery. But when it comes to getting dental implants, you really don’t need to.

Getting dental implants is a routine procedure that has a success rate of over 98%. You may have the option of anesthesia so you won’t feel a thing.

Here’s how it works: A dental implant body is surgically inserted into your jawbone where the tooth’s root used to be. Then, a dental implant abutment is attached to the body with a screw that extends through the gums into your mouth to support an artificial tooth.

The entire surgery takes about 1 to 2 hours per dental implant.

• It’s a long process

The surgery is just one step of the process. It also takes time for your mouth and gums to adjust and heal after the implant is installed. Overall, you’re looking at about 5 to 8 months for the whole process from start to finish.

• You’ll need to take good care of your dental implants

Just because dental implants are artificial doesn’t mean you don’t need to take care of them. Sure, they can’t get cavities, but letting too much bacteria linger around them may still lead to gum disease and other dental issues. 

You can take care of your dental implants the same way you would take care of your other teeth: with regular brushing and flossing and using mouthwash.

For while the dental implants are still healing after the initial installation, ask your dentist for any special cleaning instructions.

• Dental implants can help protect against bone loss

One huge advantage of dental implants is that they can help protect you against bone loss. When you lose a tooth, it leaves a hole in your jawbone. Eventually, the gap will start to close in on itself and your bone will begin to slowly deteriorate. 

A dental implant can prevent this from happening by stimulating your jawbone where your tooth once was.

• They can last the rest of your life

Finally, a dental implant can last the rest of your life. 

Unlike other forms of tooth replacement like dental bridges (which only last up to 10 years) and dentures (which only last 5 to 7 years), dental implants are a permanent solution. 

This is because dental implants are made from titanium that is connected to your actual bone, which makes them just as strong and durable as your natural teeth.

Adding it all up

When all is said and done, there are many good reasons to get dental implants. Just make sure you know what is involved in the process before you do. You want to be prepared.

And if you live in Riverside, CA, check out dental implants Riverside to learn more.