When compared to bridges and dentures, dental implants are a unique solution for replacing missing teeth because they’re the only one that replaces the root of the tooth. This means that dental implants are the best option for preventing and even reversing the loss of bone density in the jaw. This results in a stronger bite and prevents facial collapse, which causes a prematurely aged appearance. With these significant benefits, it’s no wonder so many patients are choosing this option over the alternatives.
With the increase in popularity of dental implants, there’s also been an increase in myths and misconceptions about them. Here are four common ones we hear from our patients.
Myth: Getting Dental Implants Is a Long, Painful Process
First, there are dental implant options that require very little time in the dentist’s chair—mini dental implants and Full Arch on 4 Dental Implants may be completed in a single procedure. That said, it’s true that if you’re going with traditional, single-tooth dental implants, it requires multiple office visits; if bone grafting is required, this can extend the process by a few months. Keep in mind, though, that dental implants are a permanent solution for missing teeth. Once they’ve been implanted, they should last a lifetime.
During the surgery to place your implants, you will not feel any pain—we either use local anesthetic injections to numb the area or, if you’re having multiple implants placed, we may opt to use general anesthesia so you sleep through the procedure. In the days afterwards, you are likely to have some soreness and swelling, but over-the-counter pain relievers and cold compresses will help. Getting dental implants is no more painful than other oral surgeries.
Myth: Dental Implants Impact Your Health
Some patients have heard that dental implants cause headaches or even chronic migraines. There is no scientific evidence supporting dental implants as a cause of headaches—and implants have been used for decades, with the first titanium implants being placed in 1965. If there were long-term health implications, it would have shown up in the research by now.
Another related concern is with dental implant failure. There are horror stories online about this occurring, but keep in mind that 98 percent of dental implants are successful. The 2 percent of implants that fail are often the result of patients who traveled outside of the US for cheaper implants, underlying health issues, or non-compliance with aftercare instructions.
Myth: Dental Implants Are Too Expensive
Are dental implants expensive? Absolutely—they’re an investment, for sure. Are they overpriced? No, they’re expensive for a reason: they require multiple office visits, sometimes more than one dental specialist, impressions and other imaging, one or more surgeries, anesthesia, possible bone grafting, and custom-made prosthetic teeth. Dental implants cost more than dentures or bridges because they’re simply more involved.
Myth: Dental Implants Don’t Look Natural
When high-quality restorations are used, dental implants don’t look fake—and they certainly don’t look any less realistic than the other solutions for missing teeth, dentures and bridges. Dental implants are the most natural replacement for missing teeth because they’re the only option that replicates the structure, function, and appearance of your real teeth. Most patients forget they even have implants because they feel so natural.
Learn the Facts About Dental Implants
If you’d like to find out more about dental implants and discuss whether they’re an option for you, contact us at 570-287-2500 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Todd.