Dental implants have become the leading tooth replacement championed by both dentists and patients over the years, and as such, it’s easy to find information about them online. Unfortunately, not everything you’ll read is true. Rather than spending your time separating fact from fiction, here are four of the most common dental implant myths fully debunked.
Myth #1: Only seniors need dental implants.
Did you know that about 120 million Americans are currently missing at least one permanent tooth, and around 36 million have no teeth left? With a number that large, it’s easy to realize that it isn’t just seniors who are dealing with tooth loss! As such, dental implants are a viable option for anyone hoping to close gaps in their smile, and over the years, they have been used to help adults of all ages.
Myth #2: Implants don’t look natural.
This myth likely stems from dental implants being associated with another type of tooth replacement: dentures. While some dentures can look fake, that is rarely the case with dental implants. Why? Because they restore both the root and crown of a tooth, they are freestanding just like natural teeth and don’t have any obvious attachments that make them stick out in the smile. For most patients, no one would know they have dental implants unless they told them.
Myth #3: The implant procedure hurts.
While it’s true that a patient has to undergo surgery in order for dental implants to be placed into their jawbone, the procedure is actually quite comfortable due to a few factors. Firstly, modern techniques, including local anesthetic, ensure the patient feels as little as possible. Secondly, the jawbone doesn’t have a lot of nerves in it, so in the end, most patients report feeling some pressure while in the chair, but nothing bordering on discomfort. Some minor swelling and bleeding are common afterward, but these typically resolve within a few days and can be helped with OTC medication.
Myth #4: Implants are unreasonably expensive.
Yes, dental implants do cost more than other tooth replacements like bridges and dentures, but making that comparison is like saying a flight to Paris costs more than one to Newark, NJ. The additional benefits a patient enjoys with implants when it comes to aesthetics, function, and longevity make them more than worth the price difference.
For instance, a typical bridge or denture will need to be replaced after about 7-10 years, while dental implants have been shown to last for 30 or more. In the long term, most patients end up saving thousands of dollars because they don’t have to pay for replacements.
Of course, there are more myths about dental implants out there, but you can get the answers you need from a dental implant dentist in your area. They’ll make sure you have all the information you need to decide about the future of your smile.
About the Practice
Dr. Krysten Jackson and Dr. Eric Parsons are dental implant dentists who graduated from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry. Dr. Jackson completed the Advanced Education in General Dentistry program there, which is considered to be one of the most elite residencies in the country. Dr. Parsons regularly trains to use the latest technology so he can always offer the most comfortable and conservative methods of treatment. Whether you are missing a single tooth or are ready to upgrade your denture, they’re eager to show you how dental implants can help you look and feel like your teeth were never gone. To schedule an appointment at El Reno Family Dentistry, simply click here.