Three Keys to Understanding Dental Implants

Dental implants are basically the next best thing to having your original, natural teeth. Unlike traditional dentures, these replacement teeth actually look and feel like your real teeth. Whether you have a full set or just a few to replace missing teeth, keeping them clean and free from bacteria is key. In order to properly care for your new teeth, you need to understand the following:

Their healthful constitution
Their cleaning requirements
Their unique considerations

Healthful Constitution

In addition to the sometimes tell-tale appearance and insecure attachments of traditional bridges and dentures, dental implants solve some major problems that often accompany those methods of tooth replacement. Bone loss and gum recession aren't issues with this new alternative. Basically, a titanium screw or post is drilled into the jaw bone, providing a replacement for the artificial tooth's root. Because this rod is rooted in the bone, it gives optimal, long-lasting support for the new replacement tooth. The tooth itself is comprised either entirely of porcelain or of porcelain-covered metal, and they won't damage the quality of any nearby natural teeth.

Cleaning Requirements

Not only do dental implants give the appearance of natural teeth, but they require basically the same kind of regular hygiene as normal. While they should last just as long as your natural teeth, they will not outlast them and require the same kind of attention as a real set of teeth. For starters, this includes brushing after every meal, flossing daily around each tooth, and scheduling bi-annual cleanings with your local dentist.

Unique Considerations

Even though dental implants are similar to natural teeth, in many ways, they are also have some distinct vulnerabilities. One consideration you'll want to keep in mind is that they can possibly crack or become dislodged from their artificial roots, the titanium rods. While you can eat almost all foods, you'll want to be cautious about chewing ice or other hard substances, eating sticky foods, or chewing gum. You also need to be aware that like any crown, the area around it is particularly susceptible to trapping bacteria; this makes thorough flossing even more important than it is with natural teeth. If food becomes lodged uncomfortably around an implant while you're out in public, you'll want to use a plastic pick in order to release it. Be sure never to use a metal object around it, since doing so could scratch the titanium post, creating a bacteria trap that could lead to an infection of your gums.

As long as you keep the constitution of your dental implants in mind and stick to a proper cleaning regimen, along with the considerations specific to these newly available replacement teeth, your pearly whites should continue to brighten your smile for years and decades to come.