When you’re missing a tooth, there are a few different options your dentist will present to you when it comes to tooth replacement. If you are leaning towards moving forward with a dental implant for tooth replacement, you want to ensure you have all of the facts before committing, and for a good reason too. Just the thought of a dental implant may send your dental anxiety into overdrive, but don’t let misinformation you may hear or read about implants keep you from restoring your smile.
Common Implant Misconceptions
Dental implants are the most effective yet underused treatment option for tooth replacement. The top 10 misconceptions about dental implants we often here are:
Implant Surgery Is Painful
Implant dentistry is not as brutal as your mind may make it seem while your dentist explains the procedure. Yes, implants can be a little uncomfortable at first, but the procedure itself is painless, and you will experience no discomfort at all during treatment. Local anesthesia is used to get you through the procedure, and your dentist will recommend pain medication if necessary for post-procedure.
Dental Implants Are More Expensive Than Other Tooth Replacement Options
The notion that implants are too expensive simply because their initial cost is high is very wrong. Implants may have a higher initial cost than other tooth replacement options. Still, they also last a significant amount of time longer than other tooth replacement options, meaning more upfront costs but less time and money invested in maintaining.
Implants Don’t Last
The notion that implants last for just a few years is wrong and misleading information. Implants are designed to last as long as possible and can serve you for a lifetime without ever needing a replacement so long as you take good care of them.
Implants Have a Low Success Rate
The misconception that implants have a low success rate or that you will experience adverse side effects has deterred millions from getting them in America. Implants are made from titanium and ceramic, which are chemically inert and will not react with the anchoring tissue or bone, leaving them with no known side effects.
Implants Aren’t Ideal For Anyone With Dental Anxiety
While not every patient may be eligible for dental implants, a good number of people can get implants without any issues. So long as one is in good health and is missing a tooth, they are generally a candidate for an implant.
Implants Won’t Work With Dentures
Because a dental implant acts just as a natural tooth does, this means that a dental implant can be used as an anchor tooth for dentures. Implants can be paired with other tooth replacement options for a perfect fit, depending on the patient and their unique situation.
Implants Require a Lot of Maintenance
Implants are not as fragile as you may initially think. They require very little maintenance, and all it takes is just brushing and flossing your regular teeth to care for an implant. As a bonus, an implant is not susceptible to tooth decay, cavities, and other dental issues that your natural teeth are, so in some ways, they are even stronger than your natural teeth.
Implants Are Noticeable
Implants will not only emulate the natural look of teeth, but their functionality will also be the same as a natural tooth. If you’re worried about people being able to tell you to have an implant, rest assured that your implant will look just as natural as the rest of your teeth and be undetectable.
Implants Limit Your Diet
You can eat anything you would typically eat with dental implants, and they do not restrict your diet in any way. While in the healing and adjustment period after an implant procedure, you may experience discomfort in chewing, but this will go away soon, and you can eat, chew, and bite into any food you’d like.
Recovery Takes a Long Time
After dental implants surgery, you will need a few months to get used to your new implant, and your jawbone will also need to adjust to the new “foreign” object in it. While your mouth is adjusting and healing, you will be able to continue with your everyday life.
If you’re still unsure of whether a dental implant is a right option for you, make an appointment with Tompkins Dental to discover how our team can help you restore your smile
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