Are you considering a dental implant? Perhaps your dentist or oral surgeon has recommended it or perhaps you’re looking for the best solution for a missing or severely decayed tooth or multiple teeth.
Dental implants are considered to be the best option for replacing teeth because they have significant benefits over bridges and dentures. However, some patients are hesitant to have the procedure because they believe some of the myths that are associated with it. Here are 4 of the most common myths about dental implants debunked.
1. The procedure is painful.
As with any dental procedure, anesthesia is required to prevent the patient from feeling any pain. Getting a dental implant is no more painful than having a cavity filled. Technology has made the procedure minimally invasive. It can be done with just a local anesthetic. Some patients feel more at ease using nitrous oxide which can be administered during the procedure. For anyone who is particularly anxious about dental work, general anesthesia can be used to put the patient to sleep for the duration of the procedure.
2. It’s not worth the money.
Dental implants are considered to be the gold standard of tooth replacement, which means that the cost is higher than dentures or bridges. Implant procedures are not always covered by dental insurance either. However, there are many reasons that dental implants are worth the cost. For one, getting a dental implant to replace a missing, broken, or severely decayed tooth will preserve the jaw bone and keep it from being resorbed. Another factor to consider is that a dental implant will most likely last for your lifetime, as opposed to bridges and dentures which will need to be replaced every so many years.
3. Implants look fake.
This is a myth based on old experiences. Recent technology makes it possible to create completely natural looking dental implants. Digital imaging allows for precise size, shape, and color matching to ensure the implant will blend in seamlessly with your existing teeth. If appearance is an important factor to you, consider the fact that an implant will make your mouth look better in the long run by helping you avoid the sunken jaw look that happens with older people due to jaw bone loss. And dental implants look more natural than a full set of dentures or a dental bridge.
4. Implants are only for old people.
There are a few different reasons that this myth is completely ungrounded. People of all ages can opt to get dental implants and they do, in mass numbers. Dental implants may have become associated with older people because your teeth weaken as you age, making it more common in older patients. However, younger adults are actually better candidates for dental implants because they are less likely to suffer from bone loss or bone weakness, meaning it is more likely that there will be sufficient jaw bone to support an implant. It’s also best to replace a tooth with an implant sooner rather than later. The longer you let a damaged or missing tooth go, the more problems that can occur, such as jaw bone resorption and shifting teeth.
Are You Ready to Experience the Benefits of Dental Implants?
Now that we’ve debunked some of the biggest myths about dental implants, are you ready to opt in for the procedure? Don’t run the risk of losing jaw bone or experiencing teeth shifting if you have a missing tooth or teeth. One or more dental implants can make your mouth healthier, your jaw stronger, and your teeth straighter.
Call (505) 821-2111 today to schedule a consultation with an oral surgeon to discuss your dental implant options or request an appointment.