If you have experienced missing teeth, it is highly likely that you already have dental implants or your dentist has recommended it to you. Stable, robust, and permanent, dental implants (also known as teeth implants) are post or metal screws that are surgically placed into the jawbone. Once in place, replacement dental prosthesis are then mounted onto the implants.
Nowadays, dental implants are considered the most effective way to replace missing teeth (or more) and correct one’s smile. One amazing truth about dental implants is they’re designed to feel, perform, and look like the natural teeth. The American Dental Association considers dental implants as an excellent long-term option to restore one’s smile.
Debunking the Most Common Dental Implant Myths
The development as well as use of dental implants and osseointegration is deemed one of the biggest advances in dentistry in decades. However, while unfortunate to note, many myths and misconceptions about dental implants, teeth still abound until now.
In this article, we list down some of the most common dental implant myths and the truths behind them.
People will know you have a dental implant
Many people find it easy to spot dentures so spotting dental implants should be just as easy, right? Wrong! Dental implants look so much like the real teeth that no one will have an idea you have them until you say so.
Thanks to the translucent quality of the materials as well as the latest advancements in dental technology, your dental implants will look no different than your natural teeth. Not only that, dental implants are also designed to help ensure it won’t affect your face structure so no one will suspect you have dental implants.
You can get a new teeth in a day
This misconception can be traced to overzealous marketing, giving people the impression they can have their dental implants in a day. While it’s true that dental implants are placed in the patient’s mouth in a day, the entire implant process, including teeth, will require more than just a day.
Not everyone may be aware of it but the dental implant process involves consultation, scans or X-rays (when needed), implant preparation, and follow-up appointments. The process can help warrant that the patient is a good candidate for dental implants, teeth, and it is the best option available.
Only young people are ideal candidates for dental implants
There is definitely no truth to this. If anything, age is not a determining factor if someone is a good dental candidate or not. However, a few key factors including teeth will be looked into to gauge if someone is a good candidate for dental implants.
Some of the key factors that will be taken into account include health of the gum tissue, strength of the jaw bone, dental implant placement, and the patient’s overall health. As long as the patients ticks all the key requirements, they are deemed good candidates for the procedure.
The dental implant procedure is painful
If you’re a candidate for dental implants, you’d be delighted to know this is not true. If truth be told, dental implant surgery is carried out with nitrous oxide, anaesthesia, or sedation, whichever is best for the patient.
Patients who have undergone dental implants report they did not experience any pain during the entire procedure. While some experience a little tenderness after the dental implant surgery, it often goes away after taking over-the-counter pain medications. When needed, stronger pain relievers may be prescribed.
Dental implant surgery is very risky
While every dental implant surgery will involve some risk, it is reassuring to know it is very minimal. This might not be common knowledge but the overall success rate is actually at 95 to 98 percent so there is definitely nothing to worry about.
