Check out this list of the most common misconceptions about dental implants to help you decide if they’re the right option for you.
Myth 1: Dental Implants Don’t Work for Most People
When researching dental implant facts, you’re bound to find information about who makes a good candidate. The truth is, for most people, there is a pretty impressive rate of success (most studies cite a figure between 95 – 98% ), indicating that rejection by the patient’s body is rare. That being said, everyone should consult with their dentist before deciding to get dental implants. That’s because some people, including those who have experienced extreme bone loss, are suffering from gum disease, or have unhealthy habits such as smoking and poor oral hygiene, the risks of infection and other issues may be greater.
Myth 2: If my Jawbone isn’t Strong Enough I Can’t Get Dental Implant Surgery
A thin or soft jawbone is a challenge, but one that can be addressed with bone grafting surgeries. These surgeries can rebuild enough of your jawbone to support whatever dental implants you need. A bone graft requires the surgeon to take bone from another area of your body, (or use a bone-grafting material) and then add it to your jaw bone. It will probably extend the entire dental implant process by a couple of months, but after the graft is complete, you should be able to proceed with your new dental implants without worry.
Myth 3: Dental Implants are Labor Intensive
Another misconception involves the time people spend caring for their dental implants. In fact, there’s no need to spend any more time cleaning them than you do your normal teeth. Simply eat healthy, brush regularly, floss every day, and avoid smoking. That’s really all there is to it.
Myth 4: Dental Implants are Complication-Free
As we mentioned earlier, dental implants enjoy an impressive rate of success, but they’re not perfect. If you do your due diligence and dig up all the dental implant facts, you’ll discover an inflammatory disease known as peri-implantitis. It is a condition that will occasionally
accompany dental implantation. It’s characterized by the slow loss of the jawbone that supports the implants, leading to bacterial infection. In most cases, it’s present in those patients who struggle with gum disease, diabetes, or who are undergoing chemotherapy or long-term steroid use. Since bone loss is painless, most people won’t notice that they have the condition, making it important to pay attention to the warning signs. If you experience swollen and bleeding gums, be sure to discuss your concerns with a dentist, because the condition is treatable. And under normal circumstances, it’s actually pretty avoidable.
Myth 5: Dental Implants are Exorbitantly Expensive
When it comes to dental implant facts, this one has some validity — at least in the short term. It’s true dental implants are more expensive than most dental procedures. However, it’s important to look beyond the initial dental implant cost and think about the long-term value. Dental implants are much more durable than dentures, bridges, and other missing-tooth replacement options, giving them a longer lifespan. Although the one-off cost is higher, if you have to buy three sets of dentures where one set of dental implants would suffice, you’ll probably end up spending more on an alternative to dental implants.
Ultimately, new dental implants are a great choice for anyone who’s looking for a durable, long-term tooth replacement option. While there can be some concerns associated with dental implants for some patients, the vast number of people have success with their procedure.
Considering implants? Dentistry.com can help you find a dentist near you.