When you think about specific dental treatments, you may already have preconceived notions of why they’re not right for you. But like with other biases, your misconceptions are likely completely false!
That’s okay – it’s not your fault! We watch movies, hear exaggerated stories from friends, read the not-exactly honest feed on our social pages, and boom, we think we have all the answers.
We at Stiles Dental Care want you to have all the information on the dental treatments we provide, including dental implants. That way, you can look at the facts and decide if they may be right for you and your dental needs.
So without further ado, here are the common misconceptions of having dental implants…
1. I Heard Dental Implants Hurt. Is That True?
Like with many dental treatments, getting dental implants requires the use of anesthesia, and therefore is painless to the dental patient. You will likely feel some discomfort following the implantation after the anesthesia wears off.
However, your dentist will provide you with a prescription for pain medication that you can take as directed to ease pain and inflammation. Before you know it, any residual irritation will end and you’ll have a new beautiful tooth (or teeth)!
2. The Process For Getting a Dental Implant is Long and Arduous, Right?
Not so. In fact, according to the American Dental Association (ADA), typical dental implant steps are straightforward. They include:
- First, your dentist surgically implants the titanium post, which is the actual “dental implant”.
- Second, the bone surrounding the post must heal, sealing the post in place. This can be several months after your dentist implants the post or even the same day – it simply depends on the health of your gums and the surrounding bone structure.
- And lastly, your dentist secures the artificial tooth or teeth, known as the crown, to the post. Your dentist will fit you with a temporary crown while they build your custom crown. Your custom crown will fit the gap and match the size, shape, and color of your other teeth.
3. Isn’t It Obvious to Others When You Have Dental Implants?
Nope, this is another misconception! Because dental practitioners like us at Stiles Dental Care use the latest dental technology, we can say with confidence that only you (and anyone you choose to tell, of course!) will know you have a dental implant.
Dental implants match the unique size, shape, and color of your specific teeth. And because we secure them in place with a titanium post, there is no fear of one falling out when you are speaking or eating, unlike with partials and dentures.
Overall, dental implants are a discrete choice thanks to their sound structure and natural appearance.
4. I Don’t Need Dental Implants Because I Brush and Floss Daily, Right?
If only that were the case! There are a lot of factors that potentially contribute to why patients opt for dental implants. Habits play a role, of course, and it is essential to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once daily.
But even if you follow a strict dental care routine, you may still need to consider dental implants. Consider what a dental implant does: it replaces a missing tooth. There can be several reasons why you lost a tooth in the first place.
Some of the most common dental issues that may lead to tooth loss include:
- An untreated cavity – if you have a cavity you leave alone for too long, enough damage may occur to necessitate the removal of the afflicted tooth.
- Periodontitis – a serious gum infection that can damage gums and the jawbone. If left untreated, periodontitis can also lead to tooth loss.
- Gingivitis – a form of gum disease that leaves your gums inflamed, gingivitis may also be a cause of tooth loss.
Tooth decay and tooth loss are preventable. Along with having good habits, attending dental checkups twice a key is crucial. Your dentist can spot the first signs of the issues that lead to the need for dental implants early on. They’ll help you develop a course of action that can save you from needing a dental implant down the road.
5. Aren’t Dental Implants Very Expensive?
Believe it or not, dental implants are a wonderful investment that can actually save you money! How? Since they’re implanted in the gum, they last longer than a bridge. If you take good care of your dental implant and crown, they can last about 20-30 years.
6. Don’t You Think I’m Too Young For Dental Implants?
Actually, anyone with a completely formed jawbone (which typically occurs in your early twenties) is the right age for a dental implant.
Age often isn’t a major factor for who should get a dental implant. Your dentist will, however, decide you’re not a proper candidate for receiving a dental implant if you have serious medical complications, such as if you have a chronic illness like leukemia or diabetes.
We hope that after reading this you have put aside your misconceptions about dental implants and understand that they are not so painful, expensive, only for old people, and so on.
If you’re interested in talking to us at Stiles Dental Care about potentially having a dental implant, contact us today! We can assess your personal risks and talk honestly about whether it’s the best choice for your dental needs.
