Dental implants can significantly improve the quality of your life while boosting your confidence and appearance. Unfortunately, some patients put off their dental implant surgery due to many myths and misconceptions about dental implants circulating on the internet. In this article, we discuss six myths about dental implants.
6 Myths About Dental Implants
1. Dental Implant Surgery Is Painful
Many people dread their dental implant surgery because of the common misconception that it is very painful. Of course, all patients have different levels of pain tolerance and sensitivity, so some might indeed experience some pain and discomfort. However, in most cases, dental implant surgery is painless, primarily due to the use of anesthetic during the procedure. Modern local anesthetics numb the surgery site completely. Also, your dentist will be able to adjust the strength of the anesthetic during the procedure if you still experience pain or discomfort.
In addition, sedation dentistry is an option for people with a high tolerance to local anesthetics or those with acute dental anxiety. There are several options you can choose from, even including general anesthesia if the complexity and lengthiness of the procedure justify it.
2. Dental Implant Surgery Is Risky
As with any surgical procedure, dental implant surgery can have side effects, such as infection or damage of the tissue and blood vessels surrounding the implant site. However, if you choose an experienced and acclaimed doctor with good reviews and high qualifications, you will almost certainly have a successful surgery. In fact, the success rate of dental implant surgeries in the US is 95%.
In addition, following your doctor’s recommendations is essential and will significantly lower the risk of any side effects. These might include taking antibiotics after the surgery, maintaining thorough oral hygiene, and keeping a specific diet.
3. Dental Implants Do Not Last Long
Some dental restoration options, such as dentures or dental bridges, should indeed be replaced quite often. For example, you can expect to acquire a new set of dentures every 7 years or more often in some cases. On the other hand, dental implants can last you a lifetime with proper care. Most patients only need to replace the crowns that sit on top of the implants every 10 to 15 years when natural wear occurs.
4. Dental Implants Are Noticeable in the Mouth
Many people expect that dental implants will be an obvious eyesore. In reality, dental implants look very natural in the mouth due to the high-quality materials they are made of. Your dentist will also work with you to choose the shade of implants that will match your natural teeth and help them perfectly camouflage.
5. You Can Get Implants in One Day
It is true that the metal posts for implants are typically placed in your mouth in one visit. However, the full process of getting dental implants will take more than a single day. The procedure includes scans, x-rays, exams, and, of course, healing before you can enjoy the full capacity of your new implants.
However, if you are patient and take time to prepare for the process, there should be few complications. The whole procedure, from start to finish, when you receive your dental crowns and can enjoy the full benefits of your implants, can take as little as 3 months.
6. Dental Implants Are Similar to Dentures
Dentures and dental implants share the quality of being dental restorations that replace missing teeth. However, these two options are very different in the way they function and the level of comfort they offer.
Dental implants provide up to 90% of natural bite force, while dentures can offer only about 20%. As a result, you will be able to enjoy a much greater variety of foods with dental implants than with dentures. In addition, dental implants function very similarly to your natural teeth as they are supported by metal posts fused with your jaw bone. This fact makes them secure and stable in the mouth, while dentures are known for slipping from time to time or being unstable, especially when chewing food.
Another fact that differentiates dental implants and dentures is that implants stimulate the jaw bone similarly to your natural teeth and prevent bone resorption. As a result, the jaw bone does not lose its density, and the facial structure remains more supported and youthful. Dentures sit on top of the gums and do not provide such benefits.
Make an Appointment Today
Make an appointment with a reliable cosmetic dentist in Yucaipa and receive first-class dental implants. Shodhan Dentistry of Yucaipa offers dental restoration options that have benefitted patients for years and provided them with comfort and confidence. Their specialists look forward to your visit.