4 Myths About Dental Implants
If you are missing a tooth, investing in dental implants is one of the best steps you can take for your oral health. Not only do they give you functionality and strength with every bite, but they have a natural appearance that looks just like a real tooth, too.
Though despite all the benefits that come with dental implants, there are a few issues floating around the internet that could have you questioning whether or not this is the right step for you.
Dental implants are well known as the gold standard in tooth replacement. So, before you start believing everything you read, let’s quash 4 myths about dental implants.
Myth #1: Dental Implants are Painful
To get dental implants, you will have to undergo minor oral surgery to implant the artificial root into the jaw so that it may fuse with the bone. Believe it or not, this is less painful than having a tooth extracted.
Healing after the implant surgery involves taking over-the-counter pain medication as needed to reduce any discomfort. You should feel well enough to return to your daily routine within about 2 to 3 days.
Myth #2: You Have to Have Excellent Oral Health to Get Dental Implants
It is true that you cannot have any underlying oral health issues in order to get dental implants. However, you do not have to have excellent oral health to take advantage of this treatment. Any underlying issues that you do have, such as decay or gum disease, will need to be addressed prior to moving forward with your dental implant surgery.
What’s more, if your jaw bone is lacking in density, you will have to undergo a procedure known as bone grafting. This will create a stronger bone in which to anchor your new artificial tooth.
As long as you address all oral health concerns, you should have no issues with getting dental implants.
Myth #3: Dental Implants are Expensive
There is no denying the fact that dental implants are expensive. But when you look at the bigger picture, they may actually be the most affordable option.
Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime. You will likely have to replace the dental crown sometime down the road as they are designed to last between 10 to 15 years. But with optimal dental care, crowns can last upwards of 20 years.
If you choose dentures, bridges, or partials for your tooth replacement, rather than dental implants, you will find that they will need to be replaced every 10 years or so - often at a much higher cost than replacing a dental crown. It is also worth noting that partials and bridges can put a strain on the healthy teeth that support them, potentially leading to bigger oral health issues later.
In other words, while dental implants may seem expensive now, they are often the more affordable choice when you look beyond this moment.
Myth #4: Dental Implants Often Fail
The artificial root that is implanted into the jaw is most commonly made of titanium. This is a metal that is rarely rejected by the body, allowing the fusing and anchoring to take place. For the most part, dental implants have a 95% success rate - though seeking treatment from a highly-skilled dentist can increase that number even more.
Learn More About Dental Implants
If you want to learn more about dental implants and whether or not they are a good solution to replace your missing teeth, then Dr. Steven Ricco can help. With extensive experience and skill at precise placement, you can feel confident in the success of your dental implants.
Ready to transform your smile? Contact us today at 516-931-3999.
