Before making any type of investment, it’s a good idea to spend some time doing a little research first. Investments in your oral health are no different! Unfortunately, research in the Age of the Internet can be difficult because there’s a lot of information out there that may or may not be true. In fact, if you’ve been thinking about investing in your oral health by getting dental implants, you may have come across one of the many misconceptions people have about them. But, before you decide against calling an implant dentist, learn the truth about these 4 myths first!
“Implants Don’t Look Natural”
To the contrary – implants actually look and feel more natural than any other option. But, in part, this myth stems from a misunderstanding of what an implant is. On its own, an implant is simply a titanium post that’s placed in the jaw to act as a replacement root.
Once the implant has fully integrated with the surrounding jawbone, a crown, bridge or denture is attached to complete the restoration. This part of your implant (that part that you see) will be precisely matched to the rest of your smile so that it blends in seamlessly, making it look very natural!
“Dental Implants Are Painful”
Dental implants require a small, in-office surgery that usually takes around 2 hours to complete. Most patients are surprised that their procedure was no more painful than a simple extraction.
Also, rest assured that the first thing an implant dentist will do is to make sure that you’re fully numb and comfortable before doing the procedure. Afterward, some mild discomfort is to be expected, which usually lasts for several days. However, it can almost always be taken care of with over-the-counter pain medication.
“Bargain Implants Are a Good Way To Save Money”
As implants have become popular, more and more offices have been offering them at “bargain prices.” While some of these offers may be legitimate, others are using low-quality materials or techniques.
Implants are an investment that can last decades, or even a lifetime. It’s well worth it to make sure they’re done right from the start so they can be as successful as possible. The old saying, “You get what you pay for,” definitely applies!
Also, don’t hesitate to ask your dentist about their training, experience and choice of materials. You can also read reviews or look at before-and-after photos of prior patients to get an idea for the quality of work being done.
“Bridges Work Better Than Implants”
Bridges aren’t as good as implants for multiple reasons:
- Healthy teeth are affected – A bridge requires that the two adjacent teeth on either side of the empty space are ground down to accommodate crowns.
- Longevity – Bridges don’t last as long as implants because they can’t withstand strong chewing forces as well.
Dental implants are absolutely the next best thing to your own teeth. And now that you know the truth about these 4 myths, you’ll be better equipped to make the right choice for your oral health!
About the Author
With 25 years of experience as a general and restorative dentist, Dr. Robert Long (aka Dr. Bob) has cleared up many misconceptions about implants. He knows they’re an excellent option for tooth replacement and doesn’t want misinformation to prevent his patients from enjoying the benefits they offer. If you’re considering implants and have any additional questions, he can be contacted via his website or at (972) 775-3192.