Dental implants — they're false teeth that look like real teeth. But that's about all the average person knows about them. Maybe you know a little more if your dentist has recommended you get implants, but before you actually have them inserted, it's nice to know even more facts. To that end, here are some weird but wonderful facts about dental implants.
They're made from titanium
Perhaps you've heard of titanium. It's a pretty notable metal because it is so strong. And that is one reason it is used to make dental implants. You really need the implants to be strong so they don't break or crack. But the other reason why titanium is used for implants has to do with how the body reacts to this metal — or more accurately, how the body doesn't react. Titanium is said to be non-bioreactive, which means your body's immune system and tissues won't respond to it as it would most other foreign substances. As such, you really don't have to worry about your body rejecting the dental implants.
They protect your other teeth
Why would you get a dental implant? The obvious reasons would be so that you can chew normally and so that you don't have to feel self-conscious when you smile. But actually, replacing your missing tooth with an implant will protect your other teeth, too. When you lose a tooth and the associated tooth root, the jaw bone in that area does not get stimulated as it should, and it starts to deteriorate. This can make the teeth next to that deteriorated piece of jaw bone less stable. Replacing the tooth with an implant keeps the jaw bone stimulated and strong, thereby keeping the neighboring teeth stable in the jaw.
The "root" part lasts forever
If you know someone who has had dental implants for a while, you may have heard them mention needing to have their implants replaced. But they were, more than likely, not referring to the actual part of the false tooth that is implanted in their jaw bone. That part really should last for the rest of your life. The only part that might need to be replaced eventually is the ceramic, crown portion of the tooth that you actually see. Luckily, having this part replaced is a rather simple, nearly pain-free procedure since your dentist can basically unscrew the old crown and screw a new one into place. Surgery is not needed!
With these weird and wonderful facts in mind, you should be better prepared for the adventure of getting dental implants put in place.
Share8 July 2021
Toddlers should see a dentist for the first time by the age of twelve months or by the time their first tooth comes in. But if you are a parent with toddlers anything like mine, the prospect of going to the dentist (let alone anywhere!) can be pretty intimidating. My kids were a handful growing up. They had tantrums any time we would have to sit in a waiting room, and they refused to get in the dentist's chair during their first few visits. So, I had to employ a professional to help me make the transition to finally getting them in that dental chair without all the screaming and crying. I know I'm not the only parent in this situation, so I decided to share the information I've learned with others who can use a little help. You can find all my advice right here on these pages!