The Truth About Dental Implants – Unveiling Six Common Myths

Dental implants are like the superheroes of dentistry, giving your smile a fantastic upgrade by filling in the gaps left by missing teeth. But, here's the thing – many people are unaware of how amazing implants are. This lack of knowledge has given rise to some wild stories and myths.

Recognizing the truth from fiction can help you decide whether or not to go with dental implants; so sit tight as we’re about to bust a few common myths about dental implants and spill the beans on what this incredible procedure is about. So, let’s dive in.

The Truth About Dental Implants – Common Myths Debunked

Let’s start with the most common myth that can prevent some people from getting dental implants.

MYTH ONE: DENTAL IMPLANT SURGERY IS INVASIVE AND PAINFUL

Even though dental implants involve a surgical procedure, the good news is that it's performed on an outpatient basis. Thanks to modern technologies and weeks of planning between various dental professionals before you undergo surgery, getting an implant is more straightforward than you probably think.

Even better, it’s important to know that the procedure is performed under local anesthesia and, in many cases, dental sedation is also provided to help you relax throughout the process.

We can’t say that you won’t feel any pain or discomfort, but this should only ever occur post-surgery as the anesthesia wears off and your body starts to heal around the implant. But don’t worry. For most patients, the symptoms amount to little more than slight bruising or swelling and tenderness which can be easily managed with over-the-counter painkillers such as aspirin and ibuprofen.

MYTH TWO: DENTAL IMPLANTS ARE ONLY FOR THE ELDERLY

Some people are under the assumption that dental implants are only for the elderly whereas, in reality, they’re a suitable treatment for anyone with missing or severely damaged teeth and whose jaw has fully formed. As far as dental implants are concerned, the ideal candidate is over the age of 18 with good medical and oral health, with the most important factor being a robust jawbone. The great thing about dental implants is that they can replace a single tooth, several missing adjacent teeth, or all of a person’s teeth, providing a solution for almost any missing tooth scenario.

MYTH THREE: DENTAL IMPLANTS LOOK UNNATURAL AND FEEL FAKE

This statement could not be further from the truth. Because dental implant posts are surgically placed into the jaw beneath the gums and fuse with the surrounding bone tissue in a natural process known as osseointegration, they feel and function just like natural teeth.

The crowns (false teeth) that top the implant posts are crafted from porcelain or ceramic and designed to match your natural teeth in terms of structure, strength and shape. They’re also carefully shade-matched for a seamless finish.

MYTH FOUR: DENTAL IMPLANTS ARE PRONE TO FAILURE

The truth about dental implants is they have a very high success rate. Studies reveal a 90-95% success rate over ten years which makes them one of the most successful cosmetic dentistry procedures.

That said, it’s vital to follow your dentist’s instructions post-surgery and maintain a high level of oral hygiene to avoid infection and potential implant failure.

MYTH FIVE: IMPLANTS REQUIRE A LOT OF MAINTENANCE

Once your jawbone has fully healed from the dental implant procedure, keeping things in check is a breeze. Unlike dentures, the implants are solid and secure, so you won't have to worry about your teeth shifting or becoming loose over time. Better still, there’s no need to remove your teeth at night or use messy adhesives to keep them in place!

Taking care of your dental implant is much the same as with your natural teeth. Just stick to the basics: regular brushing, some flossing action, and, of course, those routine checkups with your dentist.

MYTH SIX: DENTAL IMPLANTS ARE EXPENSIVE

There is no ‘set price’ for dental implants since everyone’s treatment is different. The cost depends on how many implants you need, the type, and whether any additional treatments such as tooth extraction or bone grafting are necessary beforehand. However, in most cases, dental implants aren’t as expensive as people are led to believe.

While compared to other tooth replacement options like a bridge or dentures, the initial cost may be higher, in the long term they can be more cost-effective. That’s because, with proper care, a dental implant can last an average of 10 years (but often longer) and requires less maintenance, although the crown may need replacing around the 10 to 15-year mark.

The Benefits Of Dental Implants

Opting for dental implants offers a multitude of advantages compared to alternative tooth replacement methods. Here are some key benefits:

• Dental implants provide a natural look and feel, contributing to enhanced confidence and self-esteem.
• They offer a permanent solution that, with proper care, can endure a lifetime.
• Dental implants play a role in preventing jawbone loss, a common occurrence in the absence of a tooth.
• Minimal care is required, as they do not demand any special maintenance beyond regular brushing and flossing.

Overall, we encourage patients to consider dental implants as a viable option for missing tooth replacement; and now you know the truth about dental implants, it will help with your decision.

However, dental implants aren’t for everyone which is why it’s best to schedule a free dental implant consultation to learn if they’re right for your situation and to address any concerns you may have. You can call the experienced team at Chesterfield Dentistry at 314-936-3621 or use our online booking system.