Knowledge is usually power, but maybe not when it comes to fake news and false information. As a relatively recent development in dentistry, dental implants get a lot of attention. There’s plenty of information out there to help patients make informed decisions about replacing the gaps in their teeth. And there’s also plenty of information that’s simply not true! Keep reading to see five dental implant myths get busted.
#1. Dental Implants are Painful to Wear
During your dental implant treatment, your dentist will take every precaution to ensure your comfort and safety. After your dental implant treatment, you are likely to experience some soreness. These aches are typically in line with other dental procedures and can be soothed with over-the-counter pain relievers and cold compresses.
When it comes to everyday use, though, most patients find them highly comfortable, even when compared to dentures. You might forget that they’re not real teeth!
#2. Only Old Folks Can Receive Dental Implants
Now this myth just doesn’t make sense. Young people can have gaps in their smiles too, whether it be due to tooth decay, gum disease, or physical trauma. Discomfort is also something that can affect anyone, and missing teeth can make eating awkward or prompt intact pearly whites to shift. As long as their dentist determines their oral health is good enough to support successful dental implants, those young’uns can absolutely get dental implants!
#3. You’ll Never Be Able to Afford Them
There’s no sugar-coating it. Dental implants are costly. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to afford them. Dental insurance can knock the price down in some cases, and many dentists offer low-interest financing (through programs like CareCredit) or in-house membership plans. Your oral health team wants what’s best for you and your teeth, so they do their best to help patients afford their services.
#4. It’s A Risky Dental Treatment
Actually, dental implants have a 95% success rate. Part of the reason for this incredibly high statistic is that dentists are diligent when they examine their patients’ mouths during consultations. They check for anything that could impair this treatment, such as existing gum disease or a thin jawbone, and take care of it before proceeding. You can be more than reasonably assured that your replacements will be reliable.
#5. Dental Implants Are Purely Cosmetic
They do look impressive. Thanks to advances in cosmetic dentistry, dental implants can be custom-crafted out of quality materials for a shockingly tooth-like appearance. That’s often not the main reason patients get them, though. Overall, dental implants provide the most power out of any other replacement. This means you can eat your favorite foods without breaking a sweat – or an implant!
With these five myths debunked, do dental implants sound like an interesting solution for your smile gaps? If so, be sure to call your dentist. They’ll happily schedule a consultation with you to determine whether dental implants are right for you!
About the Author
Dr. Gary C. Nawrocki has 40 years of experience in dentistry and couldn’t be prouder to provide patients with consistently reliable dental solutions. He has advanced training in cosmetic dentistry, meaning you can be sure your dental implants will look and feel fantastic! If you’d like to schedule a dental implant consultation with Dr. Nawrocki, contact his office at 321-783-7514.