Dental implants are a great option for replacing any missing teeth. But there are a lot of questions and concerns that surround dental implants. Start a search today to learn more about dental implants.
And this means there are plenty of myths about dental implants. If you’re wondering whether dental implants are right for you, you need to know about the most common myths – and the facts that explain how incredibly beneficial dental implants can be.
Myth #1: Dental Implants Look Fake – And Others Will Notice
Here’s the Truth: Dental implants are the most natural-looking option if you need to replace missing, rotting, or damaged teeth.
While dentures, bridges, and other tooth replacement options may look obviously fake, this isn’t the case with dental implants. When you get dental implants, you’ll be getting replacement teeth that are as close to your natural teeth as possible. And it’ll be very difficult for anyone to tell the difference – or notice!
According to dentists Dr. Carpenter and Dr. Collado of Carmel Mountain Ranch Dental Care, dental implants are placed with crowns that are specially selected to match your existing teeth. The implants are also expertly shaped to fit in with surrounding teeth, making them blend in easily.
Myth #2: Getting Dental Implants Is Incredibly Painful
Here’s the Truth: Getting dental implants does require oral surgery, but with the right care from your surgeon, you shouldn’t feel much during the procedure.
Dental implants are permanent tooth replacements – and that means they have to be specially placed. Unlike dentures and bridges, they can’t just be snapped into place. Dental implants are surgically implanted, as an oral surgeon will insert the metal base of the implants right into your jaw.
And while this sounds like a very painful procedure, you don’t need to worry about the surgery! Cupertino Dental notes that dental implant placement is considered minor oral surgery, with mild discomfort. In fact, most patients say that getting implants is actually less painful than a tooth extraction.
If you choose to get dental implants, you’ll schedule your surgery with an oral surgeon. The procedure takes just about an hour for one implant, and you’ll be placed under local anesthesia and nitrous sedation to ensure you’re comfortable. Once you’re awake, you’ll be prescribed pain medication to stay as pain-free as possible. The complete healing process will take anywhere from three to six months.
Myth #3: Dental Implants Are a Temporary Solution
Here’s the Truth: Dental implants are permanent, and they last a lifetime with proper care.
Dental implants aren’t temporary – in fact, they’re the only permanent tooth replacement option available. And once they’re in place, you never need to worry about your implants moving, slipping, coming out, or needing replacement.
The base of every dental implant is biocompatible titanium, which is a metal that’s nearly impossible for the body to reject. Over time, the titanium fuses with your jawbone, just like a natural tooth.
Because of this, dental implants don’t require any special care. You can treat them just like your own teeth, cleaning by brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist regularly. They aren’t as care-intensive as dentures or bridges, and they never leave your jaw.
As Cupertino Dental reports, patients who follow their dentist’s care recommendations will see a success rate of more than 98 percent with their implants.
Myth #4: Dental Implants Are Too Expensive
Here’s the Truth: The cost of dental implants depends on your dentist and your insurance coverage. Costs can vary, but it’s more likely that dental implants are cheaper than you think – not more expensive.
Many, many people are worried about the cost of dental implants. As a permanent solution that requires minor surgery, it makes sense that implants seem very expensive. But getting implants is a good investment, and it can cost less than you expect.
Depending on the dental benefits you have, you may be able to get dental implants at a very affordable price. Some dental insurance plans will cover the procedure for dental implants, while others may cover the cost of the care you need alone.
While the upfront cost may seem expensive, your cost of care will be far less than dentures, which require resizing and realignment every year and can cause additional health problems.
No matter the total cost, it’s important to remember that dental implants are an investment. They are permanent, and they last far longer than dentures or bridges. You can always shop around, visiting different dentists for consultations to find dental implants within your budget.
Dental Implants Offer Plenty of Positive Benefits
Don’t let the common myths and misconceptions about dental implants sway you away from considering them. Dental implants can be a very beneficial choice for anyone who’s missing teeth or needs to replace multiple gaps in their smile.
And dental implants can give you a confident, natural smile once again. Comfortable and permanent, unmoving and matched to your own teeth, dental implants could be the solution that best works for your dental needs.