Five Dental Implant Myths Debunked

Dental implants have been around for 50 years. In the United States, over 3 million people have dental implants, with nearly 500,000 new patients having implant surgery yearly. Despite the popularity of this long-term solution for missing teeth, some myths linger regarding implants. We’ve addressed the top five myths with in-depth answers to put your mind at ease and explain why they are a safe, effective, and beautiful solution for missing teeth.

Myth #1: Implants Look Obvious

Nothing could be further from the truth. Dental implants, and the dental restorations attached to them, look, perform, and feel like natural teeth. The artificial teeth are carefully sculpted to match and look like your natural teeth, right down to the color. We bet you know at least one person with dental implants without realizing it!

Myth #2: Implant Surgery is Painful

Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how little pain they experience getting dental implants. The surgery is performed under anesthesia, and the area is numbed with a local anesthetic, so you feel nothing while the implants are placed in the jawbone. During the recovery phase, there is some discomfort, but it is easily controlled with over-the-counter pain relievers and ice packs. Any minor pain and swelling should be gone by the tenth day following surgery.

Myth #3: Dental Implants are Too Expensive

What is the cost of eating comfortably and smiling without embarrassment? While you are paying a substantial amount at once for dental implants, the price over a lifetime is surprisingly affordable. Once you have dental implants in place, they should last a lifetime. The crowns or fixed dentures can last twenty years or more. Dentures have to be relined every few years and replaced every five years. They also require special cleansers and care. Consider the cost of dental implants over your lifetime, and you’ll agree they are one of the best investments in your health and comfort that you can make.

Myth #4: Caring for Dental Implants is Difficult

Unlike dentures that must be removed for cleaning and sleeping, dental implants and their attached restorations are fixed in the jawbone and never need special cleaners. You don’t have to remove them and can eat anything you like without worrying about crumbs, seeds, or debris getting caught beneath them. To care for your dental implant restorations, just floss daily and brush at least twice daily. Otherwise, a twice-yearly dental checkup is all you need.

Myth #5: I am Too Old for Dental Implants

There is no age limit for dental implants. Whether you are 30 or 80, you can have successful implant surgery. Older patients report being able to eat a healthier diet and being more willing to socialize, positively impacting their health and happiness. Older patients typically do not need additional procedures and have restorations that last their lifetimes.

We welcome the opportunity to debunk the many myths that surround dental implants. They are a safe, successful, and beautiful way to restore your smile and regain your ability to eat what you love. To learn more, please schedule a consultation by calling Warren Oral Surgery Phone Number 908-222-7922.