7 Myths About Dental Implants Debunked
Getting the dental care you need is easier when you know the facts. Believing myths and misconceptions about important treatments like dental implants can lead to you holding back on improvements to your smile. Replacing missing teeth has never been easier thanks to implants. These dental devices feature a titanium post that bonds to your jawbone much like the root of the natural tooth. You get strength and realism while also stimulating your gum and jaw tissue so it doesn't recede. Sort the facts from fiction when it comes to dental implants to decide if they're the right choice for you.
1. There's One Type of Dental Implant
There are many types of dental implants. Some only replace a single missing tooth, while others are designed to hold larger partial or full dentures. You can replace all of your natural teeth with implants without having to get more than four to six posts placed in each of the upper and lower jaws. Your dentist can recommend the latest technology to help increase the chances of success, or they may recommend a tried and true implant preparation process with lots of research to back it up.
2. Strangers Can Tell You Have Implants
Only professional dentists and dental hygienists can tell that you have dental implants. They'll need to get up close and personal with your teeth and gumline to check. Strangers on the street around the Woodlands, Texas area will only see a restored and matching smile. Friends and family members may want to know how you got your smile looking so great, but it's up to you if you share your secrets. If your natural teeth have stains and discoloration, your dentist will recommend whitening to help get everything to match. You have plenty of options for getting an attractive smile with the help of dental implants.
3. Dental Implants Cost Too Much
There is a cost for dental implants that is higher than most partial dentures and bridges. However, you need to consider the long-term costs of these devices. Dental bridges generally need replacement every 7 to 12 years, while partial dentures can last 10 to 20 years. With care, dental implants will last the rest of your life. That could represent a serious amount of savings over the cost of replacing bridges and dentures, especially if you're a younger person. Choosing dental implants near me is an investment that can pay off in the long run.
4. Dental Implants Require a Lot of Special Maintenance
You need to brush your teeth three times a day and floss once a day without fail after getting dental implants. This controls bacteria levels and prevents gum disease that can threaten the long-term stability of the implant. Aside from that, there's no specific maintenance needed for your new smile. Just stick to the usual schedule of visiting the dentist at least once every six months and don't miss any recommended appointments. This ensures your dentist will discover any issues that might occur while they're still easy to treat.
5. The Procedure is Painful
There is some discomfort you'll experience after the implant placement procedure. Your dentist will give you plenty of options for dealing with the inflammation, ranging from ice packs to prescription medications. You'll heal quickly in most cases and will feel little pain within a week or two of the procedure. The dentist will also use plenty of anesthesia during the procedure to ensure you don't feel a thing. There's no need to let a little soreness and swelling stop you from getting the dental implants you need to improve how you speak, smile, and chew.
6. There's a High Rate of Failure
The earliest types of dental implants did come with a relatively high failure rate, especially in complex cases. Today's dental implants are more likely to succeed than ever before. According to numerous studies, only around 5 to 10 percentof dental implants fail over time. Undergoing any recommended gum or jawbone grafts to prepare for the post can make a big difference in the success rate. Your commitment to good oral care and sticking to your dentist appointments also reduces the already low risk of failure.
7. You Can't Change the Appearance of the Implants
This is one of the silliest misconceptions about dental implants because it's clearly untrue. You can replace the upper crown portion of the implant at any time. Your dentist can order a new crown if you experience damage or discoloration, but you can also just request a slightly different appearance if you're not happy with the results. Many changes can be made to the same crown so there's no need to wait for a full replacement. While these implants are permanent, the upper part can be replaced as needed by the dentist.
If you're considering dental implants in Shenandoah TX, schedule a consultation with us here at Aesthetic Smiles Dentistry. Our calming environment and caring team will put you at ease no matter what kind of restoration work you choose.