Tooth Implant Facts You Did Not Know

The Tooth Implant Story

It was as early as 1951 when a small group of dentists who were doing a good job of placing dental implants joined hands to  form the AAID (American Academy of Implant Dentistry) to continuously share their knowledge on the practice of implantology. The AAID now happens to be the first professional organization in the world committed to the progress of tooth implant dentistry and have made effective strides towards education, research and excellence in implant dentistry. The members of AAID have grown to more than 4000 with many dental specialists in the team.

Did You Know?

• •    One out four Americans over the age of 74 has lost all their natural teeth.
• •    Nearly 70% of Americans age 35 to 44 are ideal candidates for dental implants with at least one missing tooth.
• •    Crude dental implants existed even as early as 600 AD, when tooth-like pieces of shell appeared to be hammered into the jaw of Mayan women. 
• •    Close to 30 million Americans have lost their teeth in one or both jaws
• •    The figures for crown and bridge replacements for missing teeth in the U.S. have grown to 15 million people. 
• •    Close to 3 million have dental implants in America and that number is increasing by more than 500,000 annually. Data shows that the market for dental implants in the U.S. is   $1 billion and by 2018, the market for dental implants is estimated to touch $5 billion.

Facts about Dental Implants

A lost tooth can hamper self-esteem and lower morale. This can lead to anxiety and embarrassment. Such people hesitate to step outside because of self-consciousness. Undoubtedly, if this problem is not addressed it can lead to psychological issues. Not many know that their clarity in speech is dependent on the dental structure as well as the tongue and gaps in the teeth can lead to speech issues.  

• •    Nearly 90% of those who consult a dental implant specialist have little or no knowledge of dental implants. It is good to have some basic idea about dental implants. 
• •    The jaw line gets pressurized due to a lost tooth as it is the only support for the facial muscles. Patients could experience a stiff jaw due to loss of tooth.   

• •    Dental implant is the only restoration process which maintains and encourages natural bone growth while arresting bone loss. They are the most reliable option available to replace missing teeth with no loss in function, appearance or feel. 

• •    The most common material used in dental implants is titanium, used to replace the root of the missing tooth. This becomes an anchor for the replaced one.  

• •    The teeth restored with dental implants need to be cared for in just the same way as natural teeth and keeping regular dentist appointments is a must.

• •    Safety and effectiveness of contemporary dental implants have now been proved and has been in use for decades.  
• •    Dental implants feel and look like real teeth, so they are the best option in tooth restoration.  
• •    A tooth implant procedure has become almost painless. Your dental implant specialist will educate you about the procedure and clarify any concerns you might have.
• •    Important to follow the same regime of oral hygiene in the case of dental implants to ensure they last longer.  Even implants can get a coating and cause gum infection in the absence of oral hygiene.
• •     Dental implants help in protecting bone health of the dental structure and aid its growth.

Important to follow the instructions given by the dentist post the procedure. This will ensure your tooth implant lasts a lifetime and you have functional teeth and a beautiful smile.