Have a gap in your smile? You’re not alone.

On average, adults between the ages of 20 and 64 have only 24.92 teeth remaining and 10% of people aged 50 to 64 have no teeth! For reference, we have 32 adult teeth although many people only have 28 because they have had their four wisdom teeth removed.

Even counting from 28, that means that on average people are missing three teeth!

The good news is that restorative dentistry offers us an excellent option for replacing missing teeth—dental implants. Are you on the fence about getting one (or some)? Check out these fun facts about dental implants to learn more!

1. Dental Implants Look and Feel Like Real Teeth

Implants are firmly rooted in your mouth on a titanium post that acts as a replacement for the natural root of your tooth. You can get one tooth replaced or several teeth in a row by mounting a bridge on two posts. If you are missing all your teeth, an entire arch can be mounted on just four implants (or six depending on the health of your jawbone).

For all intents and purposes, dental implants both look and feel like real teeth. With no adhesives or bulky apparatus to keep the teeth in your mouth, nobody—not even you—can tell that the teeth are fake.

2. Dental Implants are Made from Titanium

Stainless steel has been used in medical implants and surgeries since the early 1900s. However, most modern dental implants are made of a titanium post that the dentist surgically inserts into the jawbone.

Titanium is superior by being just as strong as stainless steel but about 50% lighter, making the material more appropriate for a natural feeling dental implant. Once the area has healed, virtually all dental implant patients can’t tell the difference.

3. Can’t Get a Cavity

Another handy aspect is that dental implants can’t get a cavity. It is still essential to practice good oral hygiene to keep the surrounding tissues and teeth healthy. However, you don’t have to worry about that particular tooth becoming diseased.

4. Restore Function and Shape to the Mouth and Face

Without proper support from the teeth, the jawbone can begin to lose bone mass over time. Eventually, this can affect the facial structure and change the way the patient looks. Obviously, this is not ideal.

Dental implants function exactly like natural teeth, supporting the facial structure and even restoring a little bit of its shape over time if you have already experienced a bit of bone loss. On top of that, you can eat and enjoy your favorite foods with little to no restrictions.

5. Preserve Bone and Stimulate Its Growth

Worried you won’t be able to get dental implants because you have already experienced bone loss? Don’t be! The good news is that in many cases you can get this type of restorative dentistry procedure even if you have already experienced bone loss.

In some cases, it can even stimulate the growth of new bone. Titanium has a special characteristic that works with bone cells to stimulate their production and allow the implant to fuse to the bone. This affinity can also further stimulate the production of bone cells for some people.

6. Dental Implants Won’t Fall Out

Implants are firmly rooted in your mouth. You can eat, talk, laugh, and kiss—and never have to worry that your teeth will pop out at an inopportune moment.

7. Are Easy to Care For

Unlike dentures that need to be taken out and cleaned or installed with special adhesives, implants are easy to care for. Because they are fused directly to the bone, they don’t require any special care. All you have to do is your regular tooth brushing and flossing routine and visit your dentist twice a year. It’s a piece of cake!

8. The Surgery Is Safe and Effective

Dental implant surgery has a high success rate and a low risk of infection when performed by a professional dental surgeon. Most people experience only mild pain for a few days after the implant surgery. Skilled professionals do their best to avoid nerves in the gums, keeping the pain to a minimum.

Dental Implants in Maryville

Are you considering getting dental implants? The main factor for enjoying a successful implant is choosing a skilled oral surgeon. Dr. Harris has years of experience serving the Maryville community and preserving all aspects of their oral health. When you need an expert oral surgeon in Maryville, Dr. Harris is the one to visit.

Rest assured that dental implants are safe, effective, and an excellent way to replace diseased or damaged teeth and preserve your overall oral health. Contact Dr. Harris’s office for a consultation or to book an appointment today.