Most Common Myths of Dental Implants that Dr. Adatrow Hears From Patients Regularly:

Myth #1: Dental implants are strictly aesthetic.

We don’t know whether the first dental implant designers were looking for beauty or purpose, but we know that implants, like natural teeth, anchor deep into the bone.

Aside from the aesthetic issue of changing the look of your smile, one of the more unfavorable side effects of losing teeth is bone loss. If the bone recedes, the mouth and cheeks lose structural strength, giving the lower third of the face an empty or hollow appearance.

Unlike other options for replacing missing teeth(such as dentures and bridges), which only cover the noticeable portion of the tooth (the crown), dental implants recreate the whole skeleton of the tooth, including the tooth root. This near emulation is what gives them the distinct and attractive advantages of restoring the charm of your smile, avoiding bone loss, and retaining the form and texture of your face.

Myth # 2: Dental implants are usually for the aged population.

Though the rate of tooth loss increases with age (30% of people between the ages of 65 and 74 have no natural teeth), an estimated 178 million American adults lack at least one tooth, with 40 million missing any of their teeth. Although dental implants are not usually a choice for children or teenagers with growing jawbones, they provide a durable teeth replacement option for adults of any age.

Myth # 3: Dental implant treatment is a traumatic procedure.

A dental implant necessitates a surgical procedure. However, sedation dentistry along with technology improve relaxation and accelerate recovery. Implant placement is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia, with the choice of sedation dentistry to facilitate ease and comfort. Daily doses of over-the-counter pain relief are frequently all that is needed in the first few days when combined with basic self-care practices such as rinsing with saltwater. Many patients can return to work and daily lives within two to three days after the surgery.

Myth # 4: Dental implants are expensive.

When calculating the cost of dental implants, it is essential to weigh the long-term cost. Since dental implants have a longer working life, they are less expensive when compared to bridges. Bridges last just 7-15 years before needing replacement, but dental implants are more useful in the long term.

Myth # 5: Implants need a long time to recover.

Dental implants have a healing period. The titanium used to make the implant must be given enough time to fuse with the patient’s jawbone and gums. This usually takes three to six months, but it differs depending on the condition.

Myth # 6: Any dentist can perform dental implant surgery.

This misconception is partly correct since any dentist with a proper license can insert a dental implant. However, not every dentist who positions implants is trained in surgical implantation procedures. A dental implant operation would be most effective when performed by a professional clinician. These dentists may have valuable expertise in dealing with any problems that could arise during the process.

Myth # 7: Implants appear artificial.

Some people want a natural-looking option for replacing their missing teeth. This is achievable with dental implants. If the healing phase is complete, the implants may appear and sound natural. Hence, many people opt for dental implants.