If you’ve been thinking about replacing your missing teeth and searching the web for information on dental implants, you’ve probably encountered a few myths about the procedure along the way. Do you want to know if the myths are true or not? Here are the four common myths and the facts.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are an amazing solution for people who want a more permanent way to replace their missing teeth than traditional bridges or dentures. While implants of differing types have been around for a long time, modern implants are made of a titanium post implanted into the jawbone. Once the post is placed and fully integrated with the bone tissue (a process known as osseointegration), a custom tooth structure can be permanently attached to the post. Titanium implants have quickly become one of the most popular restorative procedures done in the U.S.
Myth #1: Dental Implants are Not Permanent
We often hear patients lament that dental implants are not permanent and will need to be replaced in a certain number of years. This is not entirely true. The titanium post implanted into the jawbone is there for life and will never need to be replaced, assuming the patient practices proper dental hygiene. The tooth structure attached to the post, however, will wear down over time and need to be placed in about 10-15 years based on average use.
Myth #2: Dental Implants Look Unnatural
Dentists and oral surgeons focus much more on aesthetics now and put a lot of time and effort into making sure your implants match the size, color, and shape of your existing teeth. Technological innovations, such as 3D scanning devices that allow dental professionals to map your teeth, jawbone, and even soft tissues, make customizing natural-looking implants even easier. We can guarantee that you see people with dental implants frequently and you don’t even know it!
Myth #3: Dental Implants Will Be Done in a Day
The process of getting dental implants takes months, and maybe even years, from start to finish. An essential step in the process is the osseointegration of the titanium post to the jawbone, which takes months on its own, so there’s no way the entire process can be completed in just one day. And if you happen to need a bone graft to build up the jawbone structure before the implants can be placed, then the process can frequently take over a year.
Myth #4: Dental Implants are Painful
It’s natural to be worried about the pain associated with any type of dental procedure, including implants. Most patients who receive dental implant surgery report little to no discomfort during or just after surgery. Some patients even say there’s less pain with implants than with a tooth extraction. To control pain during the procedure, the surgeon will look at the complexity of the operation and the anticipated length of surgery, then decide between conscious sedation, local anesthesia, and general anesthesia. After surgery, pain and post-operative swelling is usually easily controlled with over-the-counter pain medications, although a prescription painkiller can be prescribed if needed.
While there may be some stories online about painful complications after dental implant surgery, these are outlier cases and not the typical outcome. All surgeries come with inherent risks, and dental implant surgery is no exception. However, with a success rate of up to 98% and lifetime longevity with proper care, the chances of you experiencing a painful post-surgery complication are low if you follow the surgeon’s aftercare instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
Which is better, dentures or dental implants?
While both dentures and dental implants have their pros and cons, dental implants require less maintenance and upkeep than dentures and are a more permanent solution. On the other hand, dentures are less expensive than implants. A qualified dentist can answer any questions about these two options and help decide which one is right for the situation.
Does dental insurance pay for implants?
It depends. Some dental insurance plans offer coverage for dental implants, while it is unlikely that the entire cost would be covered. Some plans do not offer dental implant coverage at all. The insurance agent or administrator of the dental insurance plan will be able to provide advice about coverages for different procedures.
Learn More About Dental Implants
Dental implants are a game-changer in restorative and aesthetic dentistry. These durable, permanent, and natural-looking teeth replacements can completely restore your smile, no matter how many teeth you’re missing. Here at Rio Grande Oral Surgery in Albuquerque, we offer a full range of dental implant services to fit every patient’s needs.
Find out more about dental implants and contact us today at 505-821-2111. Or, request an appointment online.