It’s the holiday season. And you’re faced with numerous decisions.

Think about a Christmas tree, for example. If you have one, did you choose a natural (real) tree? Or did you go with an artificial one?

Many prefer the real-thing. And, like your teeth, there’s maintenance to be considered.

Do you care?

Caring for your natural teeth is the first step to keeping them. It’s why we recommend consistent dental exams and teeth cleanings.

Good oral care preserves the quality of your natural teeth. Avoid it and decay will occur.

Tooth decay threatens your natural tooth function. And decay unchecked can lead to tooth loss.

What next?

Keeping and preserving your natural tooth function should be a priority. When your natural teeth are at risk it’s good to know you have options.

Dental implants are the perfect option for tooth loss. They look, feel, and function in similar ways as your natural teeth. 

But there are important differences too. The big-three: how they attach to your surrounding bone, response to dental disease, and repair and maintenance.

Attachment issues

The periodontal ligament attaches your natural tooth to the surrounding bone in your jaw. Dental implants fuse directly to the bone in your jaw.

Your gum tissue also attaches to your tooth root. Those same tissues only attach to the surface of a dental implant.

Decay and disease

Your natural teeth are at risk to dental decay. It’s a primary reason tooth loss occurs. Root canal therapy is another preliminary alternative to losing your natural teeth as well. Dental implants are titanium and porcelain. That means no decay or root canal treatment.

Gum disease also poses a threat to your natural teeth. The tissue around dental implants can become inflamed as well. It’s important to monitor the bone that surrounds your implant when this occurs.

Care and maintenance

Take care of your natural teeth and they’ll last a lifetime. Even so, they aren’t failsafe.

For the most part, dental implants provide a nearly failsafe alternative to replace your natural teeth. Damage and wear can be addressed without impacting the implant’s attachment to your surrounding bone.

Dental implants are not maintenance free. You must effectively care for them as you would your natural teeth. 

Brushing, flossing, and controlling bacteria are also vital to your dental implants. Regular checkups, exams, and teeth cleanings are important to maintain the success of your implant treatment.

The overall stability of your dental implant depends on consistent follow-up care. Proper function is a priority.

It’s good to know you have a choice. There are advantages to keeping your natural teeth. But if necessary, dental implant treatment can deliver a solid alternative.

 

Question: What dental care habits do you use most consistently? Comment.