8 Common Dental Implant Myths and Misconceptions

If you’re self-conscious about missing teeth, dental implants can help you get your confidence back with a beautiful smile. While there are significant advantages to dental implants, many patients are still reluctant in committing to the procedure.

Don’t let these eight common dental implant myths and misconceptions keep you from achieving a straight and healthy smile.

Dental Implants Are Too Expensive

Committing to a dental implant does come with a higher initial cost than other procedures, but they’re also a much better long-term investment than dental bridges. A dental bridge will require replacing every 7-15 years on average, and a dental implant can last you the rest of your life. Paying more money upfront for an implant can save you time and money in the future.

The Procedure is Painful

The process of having a dental implant placed can be uncomfortable and also lengthy. However, in terms of pain, most people will only require local anesthesia and nitrous oxide while the procedure is being completed. If you are someone who experiences high levels of dental anxiety, other sedation dentistry methods can be used to keep you as calm and relaxed during your procedure as possible. Many patients find that the procedure itself is not nearly as painful as they imagined it to be.

Implants Don’t Look Natural

The vast majority of dental implants are nearly undetectable when placed next to a natural tooth. If you are missing a tooth in a visible location in your smile, a dental implant will look just as natural as the rest of your teeth, where a dental bridge can sometimes be detectable. Patients are often pleasantly surprised at just how real the implants look, and they are thrilled with the finished product.

The Road To Recovery Is Long

On average, the recovery period for a dental implant is two to six months. Pain tolerance is relative to each person, but most patients experience some swelling and minimal discomfort immediately after surgery. That being said, most patients can resume their normal daily activities as soon as 24-48 hours post surgery. Many patients feel that the time spent recovering is worth it in knowing their missing tooth has now been resolved with a long-term solution.

Implants Require a Lot of Upkeep

Once a dental implant has been placed, it is effortless to care for from that point forward. Brushing and flossing your teeth as you typically would is all the upkeep that an implant demands. You will never have to worry about an implant getting cavities or tooth decay, and you will not have any food restrictions.

Implants Aren’t Common

Not everyone can make the financial commitment to a dental implant, but many patients are candidates for the procedure. It’s estimated that nearly 70 percent of Americans, between the ages of 35 and 44, are missing one or more teeth. In addition, dental implants are virtually undetectable, so you are never going to be able to detect that someone you’re speaking with has a dental implant, or if their teeth are natural.

Implants Work For Everyone

The procedure itself to have a dental implant placed is extremely safe, and while many patients may need them, not everyone is a great candidate. The most vital factor for dental implants is strong bone tissue in your mouth. Without this, you may not be eligible for the procedure. A bone graft is often recommended as a first step for patients who lack the adequate amount of bone tissue.

Dental Implants Don’t Last

On average, the lifespan of a dental implant is 25 years or more as long as you take proper care of them. Whether dental implants last forever is influenced by a variety of factors including your daily oral hygiene routine, avoiding biting down on hard non-food items, and how well your dentist placed the implant.

No matter which choice you prefer, whether it’s permanent dental implant solutions or non-implant alternatives, it’s important you consult with us to see if you’re a good candidate. Our highly-trained staff is both skilled and compassionate. Deciding on a dental implant is a big decision, and Dr. Aubrey Baudean DDS is here to help make your decision as easy as possible. Call today to schedule a dental implant consultation with us!