Sweet Smiles Family Dentistry and Orthodontics Blog

Dental implants are the gold standard in tooth restoration. These durable, lifelike prosthetics are permanently attached to your jawbone, so they work and feel just like your natural teeth. But just how realistic are they? If you’re curious about what your dental implants can (and can’t) do, keep reading for some fascinating facts below!

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are prosthetic tooth restorations. They are comprised of three parts: the implant post (a titanium rod that is attached to your jaw), the abutment (where the tooth sits), and the crown (the tooth).

Because they are secured into the bone itself, your dental implants are permanently attached and can only be removed by a dentist or dental surgeon.

What are the Benefits of Dental Implants?

In addition to looking just like natural teeth, dental implants also have the benefit of functioning like them, too. You can chew a full diet of foods with them, they are easy to clean (just like your real teeth) and they help stimulate your jawbone and prevent deterioration and bone loss. They even maintain the alignment of your remaining teeth, so there’s no need to worry about them shifting out of place.

Best of all, because they’re permanent, you won’t be required to replace your dental implants every five to ten years like you would with other types of restorations such as dentures or bridges.

Can Dental Implants Get Cavities?

Because your dental implants are not real teeth, they cannot get cavities or infections, however the area surrounding your implants is not immune to illness. Thus, you should still brush and floss your teeth (even the fake ones!) twice a day and continue seeing your dentist for your biannual exam and cleaning appointments.

If you do notice sensitivity surrounding your implant, this could be a sign of gum disease or a gum infection, or it could potentially be a warning sign of implant failure. Thus, any discomfort surrounding your dental implant should be treated urgently.

Remember, your dental implants are designed to last a lifetime with proper care and use. They’re a permanent, durable, and natural looking way to replace one or more lost permanent teeth and provide a variety of oral health benefits that other prosthetics simply cannot compete with. To learn more about if you qualify for dental implants, schedule a consultation with your dentist today!

About Dr. Fitzgerald

Dr. Alison Fitzgerald enjoys helping her patients achieve their oral health goals. Whether she’s providing an important oral health exam, helping them get a better night’s sleep with sleep apnea therapy, or restoring their smile with the help of dental implants, she’s proud to provide meaningful solutions that improve their lives and their smiles!

If you are interested in learning more about if dental implants are right for you, schedule an appointment with Sweet Smiles Family Dentistry & Orthodontics today by visiting our website or calling us at 520-338-2980.

Millions of people enjoy living with complete smiles because their dentists replaced their lost teeth with durable and beautiful dental implants. These lifelike restorations work, look, and feel just like real teeth, and they allow patients to enjoy a range of benefits that traditional tooth replacements cannot match. However, some patients may wonder if they are too old to receive dental implants. Here’s how the dental implant process works and why you can restore your smile with these advanced dental prosthetic devices as any age.

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Dental implants are the best tooth replacement option out there! Since they replace the roots of the missing teeth, they offer a wide range of benefits that you can’t find from other tooth replacement options. This includes additional stability, comfort, and longevity. However, it’s important to take all the proper steps to keep them in good shape. Flossing is one of them! Continue reading to learn why flossing is so important and the best technique to use.

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If your child plays a musical instrument that requires them to use their mouth, they may be concerned that this will become impossible if they wear braces. The good news is that while it may require some adjustments, yes, you still can play a wind instrument during orthodontic treatment. Here are a few tips to help you get started.

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Convincing kids that braces are cool can be a challenge. While true, a few of their classmates are likely sporting a mouthful of metal too, they may still need an occasional reminder that having orthodontic gear is nothing to be embarrassed about. If you’re looking for ways to help show your child that you can still be awesome while your teeth are being aligned, here are a few pop culture examples of characters who prove that wearing braces might not be so bad after all!

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One of the things that often gets people excited about the prospect of dentures is the expanded diet that they will afford them. Having a prosthetic meticulously molded to your gums will allow you to bite and chew with greater ease.

However, you might have also heard that certain dentures can affect how food tastes. This is a complicated situation, one that it’s worth learning more about if you’re interested in this prosthetic. Here’s what you should know.

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Losing your permanent teeth can detrimentally impact your quality of life in several ways. Not only does it become harder to eat, speak, and smile, but your self-confidence can also suffer as a result. Fortunately, your dentist can restore your grin’s appearance and functionality with dentures!

Although this versatile solution is made from durable materials, it’s not intended to last forever. There’s a good chance that, eventually, you’ll need a new set of artificial teeth. If you’ve had your prosthetics for several years already and aren’t sure whether they’re nearing the end of their lifespan, it’s natural to wonder what signs to look for. Keep reading to learn about 3 indicators that it’s time for new dentures!

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Many people enjoy having fun with the color of their rubber bands while wearing traditional braces. Some people like to dress their brackets in seasonal colors such as orange and black for Halloween or green and red around Christmas. Some may even opt for the colors of their favorite sports team. However, some people just want rubber bands that make their teeth appear to be as white as possible. Here’s a brief overview of how you can dress your braces so that they make your smile seem brighter.

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Many folks tend to link orthodontics with older kids. Fair enough – most of the field’s patients are teens and adolescents. Still, the truth is that some kids need braces with their baby teeth as well. Such children have better long-term oral health when they wear these devices. Your Tuczon pediatric dentist can even prove that fact with the relevant evidence. So, read on to learn about phase one orthodontics, how it works, and how it could help your child.

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Sometimes when you’re wearing braces, you may experience some strange sensations. One of the most concerning is a feeling like your teeth feel loose. Don’t panic—this sensation is entirely normal and often a sign that your braces are doing their job! But how can that be? If you’re curious how orthodontic treatment can trigger a wobbly feeling in your teeth, continue reading.

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