Myths and Facts About Dental Implants

Nowadays dental implants are considered the best way to replace missing teeth, and you can even restore your smile with an all-on-6 teeth replacement technology, but they are often associated with myths. We’ll clarify common misconceptions regarding their price, pain, health risks, and aesthetics. A good understanding of dental implants can provide you with the possibility to renew your chewing function and regain confidence in social situations. Let’s grasp the truth!

Myth #1: Dental Implants Are Painful

Many potential patients believe dental implants are unbearably painful to place. In practice, oral surgery is mostly performed under local anesthesia, so you won’t feel anything during the procedure. You might experience mild discomfort afterward, but the doctor will prescribe over-the-counter pain relievers to manage it.

Myth #2: They Don’t Look Natural

If you worry that dental implants will look noticeable or stand out from your dental arch, we have good news. Modern dentistry ensures your new tooth will be indistinguishable from your natural ones. The doctor can pick up the shape and color of a cap covering your implant (a dental crown) to match your existing teeth, so no one will ever guess you have an artificial one.

Myth #3: Implants Are Only for Older Adults

Dental implants are great for the elderly but are not explicitly designed for them. They are suitable for all adults over 18 with missing teeth. Things happen, and no one is insured to preserve their pearly whites for a lifetime. People can have congenital issues and experience accidents or diverse dental diseases. Even if you’re in your 20s, you are not sentenced to flaunt a toothless smile. Dental implants can greatly improve your quality of life.

Myth #4: Dental Implants Are Too Expensive

You might have heard dental implants are overwhelmingly expensive, but let’s dot the i’s. Their initial price might exceed other tooth replacement options, but this is a substantial investment in oral health that will last you for years. Considering their outstanding functionality and durability, the cost of dental implants is ultimately justified.

Myth #5: The Recovery Process Is Too Long

You don’t have to wait an eternity to get an artificial tooth. The process commonly takes 4–6 months, but the timeline varies based on the patient’s dental history. If you need other supportive procedures such as bone grafting, you might have to wait a bit longer to get the desired result. An experienced oral surgeon in a reputable dental office like Vip Dental Care can develop a customized treatment plan to increase your chances of implant success.

Now that we have debunked the common myths related to dental implants, let’s proceed to dependable facts you can trust.

Fact #1: Implants Help Preserve Jawbone Density

Dental implants serve as a replacement for the missing tooth’s root, so they prevent jawbone loss and strengthen it. Since they integrate with the jawbone, it helps maintain adequate bone density. In certain cases, when a patient has significant bone loss, they might need a bone graft or sinus lift. The implants are made of highly biocompatible material, which contributes to successful fusion with bone tissue.

Fact #2: They Have a High Success Rate

Dental implants have an outstanding success rate: over 95% of implants faithfully serve for decades. The procedure’s success significantly rests on your overall health, the doctor’s professional expertise, and your commitment to post-surgery care. You have to follow thorough oral hygiene throughout the recovery process (and afterward) to reduce the risk of implant rejection.

Fact #3: They Can Last a Lifetime With Proper Care

Implant structures are designed to last a lifetime with correct placement and proper care. Even afterward, they can remain entirely functional: the quality titanium or zirconia post does not age like your natural teeth. However, the surrounding gum tissues and jawbone may change over time, and the crown or abutment can face some wear and tear. 

Life-Changing Dental Treatment

If you want to fill in the missing tooth gap and enhance your overall quality of life, don’t let the widespread implant-related myths scare you. Dental implants are an actionable solution for lost teeth, and they come with a bunch of benefits. It’s crucial to rely on facts when making a decision and address an experienced oral surgeon, whose presence will be comforting for you.