Dental Implants: Myths vs. Facts

If you have missing teeth, dental implants are one of the best options  to replace them. Unlike bridges and dentures, dental implants replace the roots of missing teeth, resulting in a stronger bite and more youthful appearance. Even with these benefits, many patients are hesitant to get dental implants because they’ve heard they’re painful, dangerous, or over-priced. Below, we discuss some of the most common myths about dental implants.

Although dental implants may seem like a new treatment option given their current popularity, the first titanium dental implants were placed in 1965. Dental implants have been used for decades and there is little evidence that has emerged showing that they aren’t safe or have a negative impact on patient health.

If you’ve heard horror stories about dental implant failure or patients who get dental implants and experience chronic pain afterwards, it is important to remember that such cases are very rare. There is always risk involved in any surgery, but you can minimize the potential for complications by choosing an experienced doctor, following all of the aftercare instructions we provide to you, and practicing good oral hygiene to ensure that your dental implants last.

Although every patient perceives pain differently, many describe the recovery from dental implant surgery as less painful than that of a tooth extraction. During the procedure, we numb the specific working area utilizing local anesthetic injections, so you won’t feel any pain. As the anesthetic slowly wears off, you will start to experience some soreness. Use of cold compresses and over-the-counter pain relievers are usually all that is needed to help you feel more comfortable.

Dental implants are expensive, but they’re not overpriced—they’re a permanent replacement for missing teeth and the process of getting them is simply more involved than that of getting a bridge or denture. The cost of dental implants includes several office visits, digital imaging, biocompatible titanium implants, a custom-made restoration, anesthesia, sedation (if needed), and surgery.

Some dental insurance plans—and even some medical insurance plans—cover at least part of the cost of dental implants. We’re happy to help you understand your coverage or you can contact your insurance provider directly. If your insurance doesn’t cover dental implants, there are other options available to help make the procedure/s  affordable.

Dental implants are very natural looking replacements for missing teeth because both the root/s  and crown/s are replaced. They look, feel, and function just like your real teeth.

When dental implants look unnatural, it’s often because the doctor who designed the restoration used a “cookie-cutter” approach. We work with a team of talented professionals to design custom crowns, dentures, and bridges that are the right size, shape, and color,  specifically for you. This customized approach yields highly natural and realistic results.

If you have questions about dental implants, we can answer them. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for a consultation.