Debunking Common Myths About Dental Implants

Are you considering dental implants to replace your damaged or missing teeth? There´s a lot of information out there to help you make up your mind, but there´s also a lot of misinterpretation. Consequently, numerous myths about dental implants have popped up.

So here are some of the most common misconceptions about implant treatments and the truth behind them. 

Myth: A dental implant procedure is painful.

Fact: During your procedure, your dental surgeon will open up tissues in your mouth and drill titanium rods into the bone underneath your gums. These are the permanent roots for your replacement teeth. You will be under local anesthetic the entire time and shouldn´t feel any pain, although you may experience some discomfort, such as slight pressure. There will be some tenderness following the procedure, and if there is any pain, it will be easily treated with over-the-counter medications.

Myth: You will not be able to eat certain foods when you have dental implants.

Fact: There are virtually no food restrictions on what you can eat with dental implants - unlike dentures! The artificial teeth are anchored into the jawline, and you can eat and drink just as you can with your natural teeth - provided you take proper care of them. However, it´s a good idea to hold off biting into hard foods for a few days following your procedure.

Myth: Dental implants are not successful.

Fact: With a skilled surgeon performing the surgery, dental implants typically have a high success rate, between 95% and 98%.

Myth: Dental implants are visible and don´t look like natural teeth.

Fact: This myth couldn´t be farther from the truth. Dental implants look like natural teeth and will not stand out. They can even match the color grade of your remaining teeth. Nobody will notice you have dental implants unless you tell them.

Myth: Dental implants aren´t as strong as natural teeth.

Fact: Dental implants are fused into the jawbone through a natural process called osseointegration. This is when bone cells attach themselves directly to the titanium rods, which locks the implant into the jaw. Implants are designed to replicate the strength, functionality and look of natural teeth.

Myth: Dental implants require a lot of maintenance and aftercare.

Fact: There is no difference between maintaining your natural teeth and maintaining your dental implants. You won´t need to buy any special products for cleaning. Nor will you need cleansing tablets or special flossers. Simply brushing, flossing and keeping up with good oral hygiene practices will ensure they are clean and in good condition. 

Myth: Anyone can get a dental implant.

Fact: A handful of restrictions can prevent some people from having dental implants. Typically, the procedure is not performed on teenagers/children because the jawbone hasn’t fully developed at their age, so the implant cannot be anchored properly. For other dental implant candidates, a strong jawbone is essential. Any deterioration of the bone tissue will prevent the dentist from performing the procedure. In this situation, a bone graft may be required to ensure enough bone for an implant.

Some health conditions can also disqualify people from receiving implants. These include uncontrolled diabetes and gum disease.

Myth: You don´t need to see a dentist again after receiving dental implants.

Fact: Regular dental check-ups are still required. While implants don’t decay or deteriorate, the gum tissue around them can if oral hygiene procedures are not followed. In a worst-case scenario, an implant can fall out if the jawbone deteriorates. The most common reason for dental implant failure is a dental infection called peri-implantitis.

Myth: It takes people a long time to heal following dental implant surgery.

Fact: Recovery periods vary from one person to another, but in general, if you had one or two implants, your recovery period will be two or three days. If you had a bone graft before your procedure or more implants were placed, the recovery period can be 2 to 3 weeks. Factors that affect recovery include your age and overall health.

Myth: It´s easier to have dentures

Fact: Well, it´s easy to pop a set of dentures into your mouth, but they come with a host of problems. For example, they can rub against your gum when you speak, causing discomfort, plus you have to worry about your jawbone shrinking. Dentures can also fall out during inopportune moments, such as while speaking.

Myth: Dental implants are purely cosmetic

Fact: Dental implants will improve your appearance, especially if you have missing or decayed teeth. But they give you so much more. Implants are a restorative procedure that also strengthens your gum and jaw. Other benefits include:

• Preventing changes in your face that make you look older
• Restoring your bite force 
• Supporting adjacent teeth
• Enabling natural speech

Dental implants are a permanent solution to tooth loss and should last the rest of your life.

Myth: Dental implants are expensive

Fact: The upfront costs of dental implants are more than other tooth replacement procedures, but they offer the best return on investment. No other tooth replacement option lasts as long as they do. Dental implants are a one-time investment that will save you money over time.

If you´re considering dental implant surgery to replace missing or damaged teeth, contact the team at Chesterfield Dentistry for a FREE dental implant consultation. We´ll be happy to go over your options with you. Call us today on (314) 936 3621 or make a booking online.