5 Myths About Dental Implants You Shouldn’t Believe!

Are you missing one or more teeth? Just a single missing tooth can make it challenging to complete daily tasks that you once found easy. This includes chewing your food, speaking clearly, and smiling with confidence. Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option available today that replace the rotos of the missing teeth, allowing for a wide range of benefits that you can’t achieve with dentures or dental bridges. However, there is a lot of misinformation out there, so we’re here to bust some myths regarding dental implants. Read on to learn more.

Myth 1: Dental Implants Are for Older Adults

While there are many older adults who can benefit from dental implants, they aren’t the only ones. The truth is that dental implants can be ideal for anyone as long as their jawbone has finished developing, which usually happens in your early 20s. If your gums are jawbone both appear to be in good health, you may be a good candidate for the procedure. Schedule a consultation with your dentist to find out whether or not they would be a good option for you.

Myth 2: Dental Implants Don’t Look Natural

One of the many benefits of dental implants is the fact that they blend in with the rest of your teeth. After careful planning, your dentist will place your dental implant in the most ideal location for osseointegration to take place. Your dental crown is customized to be the exact size, shape, and color to give you a natural-looking smile.

Myth 3: Getting Dental Implants Is Painful

You may feel some discomfort after you have your placement procedure, but this doesn’t involve much pain overall. You might experience some pressure during your procedure, but your teeth and gums will be completely numbed with a local anesthetic, so you shouldn’t feel a thing. During the recovery period, your dentist will give you recommendations and/or pain medications to relieve any discomfort.

Myth 4: You Need to Follow a Restricted Diet

After you have your dental implant placement procedure, you will need to stick to softer foods until they completely heal. After the osteointegration process has taken place and your dental implants have completely fused to the jawbone, you can pretty much eat whatever you want. Dental implants restore up to 90% of your natural bite force, so eating your favorite foods shouldn’t be an issue.

Myth 5: Dental Implants Are Expensive

Dental implants aren’t always as experienced as you would expect them to be. When you consider dental implants, you need to think of them as an investment. They can last upward of 30 years or even the rest of your life with proper care. During this time, you don’t need to worry about having them relined or replaced either. You can even take soaking tablets and adhesives off the shopping list. Depending on the type of insurance benefits that you have, they can be relatively affordable.

Don’t let these common misconceptions about dental implants fool you. By doing your own research and talking to your dentist, you can make an informed decision about the future of your smile. This way, you can determine whether dental implants are the best option to meet your needs.

About the Author

Dr. Dominic G. Carlson earned his dental doctorate from Creighton University. Since then, he has also undergone training in oral sedation and has begun a 300+ hours course on dental implants. To learn more about dental implants or to schedule an appointment at his office in Bakersfield, visit his website or call (661) 327-7301.