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Wanting dental implants but not sure if they're right for you?
The reason why could be that you've heard a lot of confusing and conflicting information about them. Some of it may be true. But a lot of what people "know" about dental implants is actually just myths.
The problem is that misinformation about dental implants is everywhere and many people end up avoiding this treatment as a result.
The good news is:
Most of the things you think you know about dental implants are wrong, and once you understand the facts and explore the different types of dental implants, you'll see why they are now considered the gold standard for tooth replacement.
Here's What You'll Learn:
Debunking Common Myths About Implant Pain
Dental Implant Cost: Myths Debunked
Minimum Age Myths Debunked
The Truth About Implant Failure
Success Rates: Dispelling the Myths
Myth #1: Dental Implants Are Incredibly Painful
This is probably the most common myth there is about dental implants.
And it's also the one that discourages the most people from getting the treatment. The truth is most patients say dental implants are nowhere near as painful as they expected them to be.
Thanks to modern dental techniques and anesthesia, implants are now a pretty painless procedure for most people.
What Really Happens:
You may feel pressure but not pain during the procedure. The implant is inserted using a local anesthetic. After the surgery, most people report the discomfort level as being similar to having a tooth extracted. A simple pain killer and your dentist's instructions will have you recovering nicely.
The real kicker: All on 4 dental implants procedures have become even less invasive as a result of modern techniques. These advanced approaches also mean less time in the chair and a much faster recovery.
Myth #2: Dental Implants Are Way Too Expensive
It's time to talk about cost…
You'd be forgiven for thinking that dental implants must be way too expensive. After all, replacement teeth are never cheap, right? In the short term, yes, that's true. But there's another side to the story that most people don't consider.
Here it is:
Traditional dentures and bridges need replacing all the time. Dentures may only last 5-7 years and bridges can fail after just 10 years. But dental implants? With the proper care, these can last 25 years or more.
So although they may seem expensive upfront, you actually save money in the long run. These days about 3 million Americans have dental implants. The dental implant market has grown significantly over the last few years which has made the procedure more affordable and accessible than ever before.
Myth #3: Dental Implants Are Only For Seniors
One that really gets dentist everywhere cringing…
Age has virtually nothing to do with whether or not someone can get dental implants. The two factors that do matter are the maturity of your jawbone and your general state of health.
The bottom line?
Most adults over the age of 18 are candidates for dental implants. Young people lose teeth too. Whether through accidents, decay, or bad teeth, tooth loss is becoming more and more common in younger people. When that happens, dental implants are an excellent solution.
Myth #4: Dental Implants Fail Too Often
Did you know?
Dental implants actually have fantastic success rates. Modern implants succeed 95-98% of the time over a 10-year period. That's better than most other dental procedures.
However…
Success is not a given. It's up to the patient to follow proper care instructions and maintain good oral health after getting dental implants. Implant failure is usually due to:
Poor oral hygiene
Smoking
Uncontrolled diabetes
Insufficient bone density
Infections
Most of these issues are completely within the patient's control. The key is to find an experienced dentist and then take care of your teeth and gums after the procedure.
Myth #5: Dental Implants Look Fake
Totally untrue.
State-of-the-art dental implants look, feel and function like your natural teeth. The crown that's made for your new tooth is custom matched in color, size and shape to your existing teeth.
Nobody will even be able to tell they're not your real teeth. Your dentist uses advanced materials and techniques to make restorations that perfectly match your existing smile. You may even forget which teeth are implants and which are real.
Myth #6: The Recovery Period Is Excruciatingly Long
Here's the disconnect with recovery…
People think getting dental implants means you're stuck in pain and on a liquid diet for months. Not true. In fact, most people are back to work the next day and normal activities within a few days.
There is a healing period. But that's just the implant fusing with your jawbone. It's a process called osseointegration. The titanium post actually bonds to your bone. This takes a few months but during that time you're not sitting around in pain.
Your dentist will give you temporary teeth to use while your implants are healing and fusing with the bone. Life goes on as normal during this period.
Myth #7: Dental Implants Require a Lot of Extra Maintenance
This myth gets people thinking implants are a huge pain to maintain.
The reality? Dental implants are no more or less work to maintain than your natural teeth. Brush twice a day, floss daily, and keep up with regular dentist checkups.
That's all it takes. No special cleaners or complicated procedures. Just basic oral hygiene that all of us should be doing anyway.
Myth #8: Anyone Can Put Dental Implants In
You'd better hope not!
Dentists have different levels of training and expertise when it comes to placing dental implants. While many general dentists do place implants, the procedure does require specialized knowledge and experience.
The expertise of your dentist is a critical factor in the success and lifespan of your implants. Look for dentists who have advanced training, a track record of experience, modern equipment and facilities, and positive patient reviews.
Myth #9: Dental Implants Can Fall Out
Keeps a lot of people up at night, this one…
But rest assured, dental implants are meant to be permanent. The titanium post fuses to your jawbone in a process that creates a bond that's actually stronger than that between your natural teeth and bone.
When done properly, and with good care and maintenance, dental implants do not fall out. They become a permanent fixture in your jaw. The crown on top of the implant might need to be replaced after a number of years due to wear. But the implant itself is there for life.
The Truth About Dental Implants
Now that we've debunked the myths, here are the facts:
Dental implants are the most successful long term solution for missing teeth. They preserve jawbone, look and feel like natural teeth, and perform better than any other tooth replacement option. The procedure is now safer, faster, and more affordable than ever before.
Success rates are the proof. Millions of people around the world have had their lives transformed by dental implants. They can eat what they want, they can smile with confidence, and they forget they even have dental work done.
Bottom Line
Dental implants are not the solution for everyone. But they are an option for a lot more people than most people realize. In fact, too many people avoid them because of the myths surrounding the procedure.
Don't let misinformation and rumors stop you from exploring your tooth replacement options. Consult with a qualified dentist about whether dental implants are right for you. Ask questions. Get the facts. Make an informed decision based on accurate information.
Your smile is worth the best possible treatment.
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