If you are considering the possibility of undergoing a dental implant treatment, it’s likely that you have already delved into extensive research on the topic.
You may have come across various resources outlining the numerous advantages of dental implants, and you might have also explored information regarding costs, materials used, and other pertinent details that the World Wide Web is filled with. However, have you ever thought about the lesser-known aspects of this dental procedure? There are several intriguing facts about dental implants that you may not be familiar with. Let’s explore some of these lesser-known details below.
1. What Do Implants Taste Like?
Dental implants do not taste like anything on their own. As you may know, dental implants resemble natural teeth in many aspects, and just like natural teeth, they don’t leave any bad taste in your mouth. They are made of titanium, which is non-corrosive so you will not need to worry about any metallic taste.
2. Can You Feel Dental Implants in Your Cheeks?
Dental implants do not have nerve receptors for the patient to experience sensations through them. You will not be able to feel them through the skin of your cheeks either as they are anchored tightly into the jawbone. You will feel them as natural teeth.
3. Do Implants Change the Shape of Your Face?
Single-tooth implants will usually not affect the shape of your face. However, patients who receive a full mouth implant often see a big difference in their face shape. This is due to their face structure now being supported by the implants and their bite. Implants can improve the contours of a patient’s cheeks and jawline by filling out collapsed parts of the face.
4. Is It Hard to Floss with Full Mouth Dental Implants?
The majority of complete dental implants consist of prosthetics that substitute an entire set of teeth, eliminating the need for interdental flossing. A convenient method to effectively clean between the implants and your natural gums is by utilizing a water flosser.
5. Are Dental Implants Sensitive to Hot or Cold Food and Drink?
Dental implants lack internal nerves, so they are incapable of conveying feelings of heat, cold, or discomfort.
6. Can You Go Through a Metal Detector with Dental Implants?
Titanium is not magnetic, this means the implants which are made of this material will not set off a metal detector.
7. Do Dental Implants Have Fake Gums on Them?
In certain cases, dental implants may be accompanied by artificial gums. This practice is more prevalent in full arch implants compared to single implants. Incorporating artificial gums with implants helps achieve a more realistic appearance.
8. Do You Ever Need a Root Canal If You Have Full Mouth Dental Implants?
No. A root canal procedure is intended only to preserve the function of natural teeth.
9. Do Implants Change a Person’s Sense of Smell or Taste?
This can vary depending on how severe your oral health problems were before dental implants. Getting implants may significantly improve your sense of smell and taste. How? Periodontal disease clears up by removing decaying teeth or large dentures, thereby eliminating any obstacles that might hinder direct contact between food and your taste buds.
10. Can Dental Implants Affect Vision?
No, if dental implants are correctly positioned, they will not cause any disruption or interference with the nearby nerves located around the cheekbones, despite their close proximity to them.
11. Can Dental Implants Cause Tinnitus?
Dental implants do not directly lead to tinnitus. However, there is a possibility of experiencing temporary tinnitus following the surgical placement of implants. The intense vibrations produced by dental equipment during the procedure can potentially irritate the delicate bones and tissues within the ears. This occurrence is not exclusive to dental implants and can happen with any dental treatment involving instruments that may disturb the sensitive structures of the ear.
12. Can Dental Implants Change the Sound of My Singing Voice?
There is a chance that this could occur. The use of any dental prosthesis has the potential to alter the sound of your speech or singing voice. However, in the case of dental implants, they are more likely to improve the clarity and ease of your singing voice rather than negatively impacting it.
13. Do Implants Increase a Person’s Chance of Developing Sinusitis or Sinus Infections?
When the oral surgeon places the upper implants, they do not breach the sinuses. In short, implants will not cause any new issues with a patient’s sinuses.
14. Can I Scuba Dive with Dental Implants?
Yes. Dental implants are made of titanium, which is a lightweight, solid metal and it’s resistant to pressure changes.
15. Can You Go to Outer Space If You Have Dental Implants?
Yes. Dental implants won’t stop anyone who has the chance to go to outer space.
FUN FACT: Dental implants are made of the same material as space shuttles and rockets.
Space shuttles and rockets are made from some of the best materials found on Earth. After all, nobody wants their space shuttle to spring a leak in the middle of space. As such, titanium, one of the strongest metals known to man, is routinely used.
16. Can You Feel Implants When Riding a Roller Coaster?
If you can’t feel your natural teeth when riding a roller coaster, the same rules apply.
The healing process of dental implants involves the fusion of the implant with the bone, known as osseointegration. Once fully healed, a well-integrated implant will not exhibit any more movement or looseness than a healthy natural tooth.
17. Can I Get Cavities on My Dental Implants?
Implants mimic the experience of having natural teeth, but with a significant distinction: they are impervious to cavities. Nevertheless, it remains crucial to maintain regular dental check-ups and perform routine oral hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing, to preserve gum health and ensure overall oral well-being.
18. Can I Get Implants If I Have Osteoporosis?
This will depend on the patient’s prescription history. Some prescription medications for osteoporosis might make the implant placement procedure riskier. Patients with osteoporosis should contact their dentist to see if they are good candidates for dental implants.
19. Can Professional Athletes in Contact Sports Get Dental Implants?
In general, dental implants are a safe option for contact sports as long as they are fully healed and integrated. It is important to take necessary precautions and safeguard the implants during physical activities. Just like natural teeth, dental implants can be affected by repeated impacts on the mouth, which may lead to implant failure.
20. Why Northern Colorado Dental Specialty and Dental Implant Center?
Our team of specialty dental experts is unparalleled in Fort Collins and in the Northern Colorado area. Dr. Justin Liddle, DMD, and Dr. Isra Ahmed, DDS all provide an array of specialty cosmetic dental procedures with a focus on dental implants, crowns, veneers, bridges, partials, dentures, full-mouth reconstructions, and All-on-4 implants.
We believe the key to long-lasting oral health is in an individualized approach to every patient’s treatment needs! We realized that no two mouths are alike; therefore, we give the utmost attention to detail to ensure individualized success in your treatments.
Contact Northern Colorado Dental Specialty and Dental Implant Center. Call +1 970-825-0000, or visit us at 1221 E Elizabeth St Unit 4, Fort Collins, CO 80524.
