5 Myths About Dental Implants Debunked

Dental implants are often considered the “gold standard” for replacing missing teeth. They offer a reliable and aesthetically pleasing foundation for bridges, dentures, and crowns. This relatively pain-free procedure also enables patients to restore the look and function of their smile, while preventing problems like facial sagging and the appearance of premature aging.

While the benefits of dental implants cannot be overstated, there are some misconceptions surrounding this popular dental procedure. Here’s a look at some of the most common myths about dental implants and the truth behind them.

1. Getting Dental Implants is Painful

It’s common to have concerns about dental implant treatment and whether it’s a painful procedure. The truth is that getting a dental implant is similar to undergoing other dental treatments. You may feel some pressure during the procedure, but you shouldn’t feel pain due to the anesthetic administered prior to treatment.

After the procedure, your mouth may be slightly sore or tender. However, this mild discomfort should start to dissipate in the days following surgery. By following post-care instructions provided by your Clermont dentist, any pain you feel after surgery should be minimal.

2. Dental Implants are Expensive

Many people overestimate the cost. While dental implants are generally more expensive than alternative options, such as removable dentures, they are more affordable than you may think. In addition, they provide a good return on investment as they offer a permanent solution to missing teeth. With proper care, dental implants could last a lifetime.

There is also a myth that insurance does not cover dental implants. With dental implants becoming the standard treatment for tooth replacement, many insurance companies now cover at least a portion of dental implant surgery, reducing the amount that patients must pay out of pocket.

3. Other People Will Be Able to Tell I Have Dental Implants

It’s natural to want a beautiful, youthful smile. This can be difficult to achieve with certain types of tooth replacement options, such as removable dentures that can shift while speaking or chewing. Dental implants, on the other hand, appear much more natural. Unless you tell people that you have dental implants, most people would never know.

Dental implants consist of a titanium tooth root and artificial crown, bridge, or denture. This combination allows the dental implant to not only restore function to your smile but also its appearance.

4. Dental Implant Surgery Is Risky

Before undergoing any type of procedure, it’s important to understand what risks you face. Every surgery has some level of risk and the same applies to dental implant procedures. However, the risks associated with this type of treatment are fairly low, while the success rate is very high.

According to a publication in the Journal of International Society of Preventive and Community Dentistry, the success rate of dental implants over a 10 year period is 90 to 95 percent.

5. You Can’t Get Dental Implants If You Have Bone Loss

You may be concerned about your ability to get dental implants if you had an extraction years ago. While it’s true that you may have experienced some loss of bone density over that time, it does not necessarily mean that you are ineligible for dental implants in the affected area.

Your dentist in Clermont FL can help determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants based on the condition of your oral health and the strength of your jaw bone. If your dentist finds bone density to be lacking in this area, a bone graft may be recommended to strengthen the jaw prior to dental implant surgery.

Contact Hancock Village Dental to Schedule an Appointment

Before undergoing dental implant treatment, it’s important to understand what to expect and debunk any myths you may have heard. At our Clermont family dentistry office, we offer preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry services to help our patients restore their smiles with treatments such as dental implants. To learn more about our dental services or to schedule an appointment, contact Hancock Village Dental at 352-989-5815.