Are you missing teeth? One of the great things about living in today’s world is the fact that you no longer have to settle for gaps in your smile. Missing teeth can be a thing of the past. There are a variety of different tooth replacement options out there, like dental implants. However, there is a lot of misinformation floating around as well. Continue reading to learn the truth about some common dental implant myths.
Myth 1 – Dental Implants Are for Old People
There are many older people who benefit from dental implants, but they aren’t the only ones. The truth is that implants can be an ideal option for anyone as long as their jawbone has finished developing, which usually happens in your early 20s. If your gums and jawbone both appear to be in good health, you might be a good candidate for the procedure. Talk to your dentist in order to figure out whether or not they would be a good option for you.
Myth 2 – Dental Implants Don’t Look Like Natural Teeth
One of the many benefits of dental implants is the fact that they blend in with the rest of your smile. After careful planning, your dentist will place your 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 a Painful Process
You might feel some discomfort after you have your placement procedure, but this doesn’t involve much pain overall. You might feel some pressure during your procedure, but your teeth and gums will be completely numbed with an anesthetic, so you won’t feel any pain. During the recovery period, your dentist will give you recommendations and/or pain medications in order to relieve any discomfort.
Myth 4 – You Will Need to Follow a Restricted Diet
After you have your implant placement procedure, you will need to stick to softer foods until they completely heal. Once the osseointegration process has taken place and your implants have completely fused to the jawbone, you can pretty much eat whatever you want within reason. 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
Implants aren’t always as expensive as you would expect them to be. When you consider dental implants, you must think of them as an investment. They can last upwards of 25 years and even the rest of your life if you care for them properly. During this time, you won’t need to worry about having them relined or replaced. You can even eliminate soaking tablets and adhesives from your shopping list. Depending on the type of insurance benefits that you have, they can be relatively affordable.
You shouldn’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 or not dental implants are the best choice for you!
About the Author
After completing his Bachelor of Dental Surgery at the Government Dental College Ahmedabad in Gujarat, India, Dr. Anil Patel moved to the United States where he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Southern California School of Dentistry in Los Angeles. He has amassed over 250 hours of continuing education credits, many of them covering cosmetic dentistry and dental implantology. Currently, he is a proud Fellow of the International Dental Implant Association (IDIA) as well as a member of the American Dental Association and Texas Dental Association. To learn more about dental implants or to schedule a consultation at his office in Fort Worth, visit his website or call (817) 717-6788.