4 Things About Dental Implants You May Not Know

Dental implants are a more permanent alternative to dentures for people who have partial or full tooth loss. Placed in the mouth via an implanted screw with an attachment part for a porcelain cap that resembles a traditional tooth, dental implants remain sturdy and durable in the jawbone for many years.

As dental implants continue to rise in popularity and you consider getting them yourself, it's wise to learn more about this procedure so you can discuss dental implants with your dentist in the dental office at your next appointment. Here are four things about dental implants you likely didn't know.

1. Dental implants have been around for decades

Dental implants have been around since the 1970s, so the procedure itself isn't that new. Variations of dental implants have been around for centuries, with stones, bones, and other materials being used to replace teeth as far back as 600 A. D. Some of these implants actually fused to the jawbone, similar to the way dental implants operate today.

2. Dental implants last a long time

Dental implants can last indefinitely, not having to be replaced for a few decades. Designed to be a permanent solution to tooth loss, the average dental implant should last 25 years or longer with the right care.

3. Dental implants are cost-effective

When it comes to choosing between dental implants and other oral health solutions like dentures, dental implants are actually more cost-effective in the long run. Unlike dentures, which have to be replaced as your jaw bone changes and the teeth become uncomfortable, once dental implants are in place, they're done. This can make them a cheaper option for achieving a fuller smile that dentures and other non-permanent fixtures can't give you.

4. Dental implants can make you look younger

Dental implants can make you look younger. In the effort to achieve a more youthful smile, there are a few cosmetic dentistry things you can do to have a more youthful smile. Filling your mouth with even, attractive teeth via getting one or more dental implants can help achieve this goal. Other helpful solutions to a younger smile include getting your teeth whitened and continuing with regular dental appointments.

You can get a quote for dental implants at your dentist's office. Your costs will depend on how many teeth you are replacing, the health of your gums and jaw bone, where you live, and what procedures you have to have done first before getting dental implants put in. Learn more by contacting companies like Smile City.