4 Myths About Dental Implants

When you’re missing teeth, dental implants are the best option for replacing them. Unlike traditional bridges or dentures, dental implants replace the tooth both above and below the gum line. By replacing the root, dental implants can prevent and even reverse bone loss in the jaw, which protects against facial collapse and results in a stronger bite. Even with these benefits, there are many myths out there about dental implants that make people have second thoughts about the procedure. Here are four common ones we hear at our office.

Fact: Dental Implants Have a History of Safety

Dental implants are certainly more popular than ever, but that doesn’t mean they’re a new treatment option. The very first titanium dental implants were placed in 1965. After over five decades of use, if there were long-term health implications of dental implants, we’d know them by now. Research shows that this just isn’t the case.

Much of the evidence about the health consequences of dental implants is anecdotal. Patients come to us with concerns that implants cause migraines or tension headaches, but there’s no scientific evidence to support this. They read about dental implant horror stories online, but these stories are the exception to the rule. Dental implants have a 98% success rate. When complications do occur, it’s often because the person was not a candidate for implants in the first place or insufficient home care.

That said, getting dental implants is a surgical procedure with the same risks as any other surgery. These include infection, nerve damage, and injury to the surrounding structures.

Fact: Dental Implants Are No More Painful Than Other Oral Surgeries

Depending on the type of dental implants you’re getting, the process varies from one patient to another. Because dental implants are a permanent replacement for missing teeth, the process often takes longer than getting a bridge, crown, or dentures. 

As far as pain goes, most patients experience no pain thoughout the process but may have minor discomfort post procedure.  While we are working, we numb the area with local anesthesia. In some cases, sedation may also be used to either relax you during the procedure or let you sleep through it. You may experience swelling and soreness after your surgery, but over-the-counter pain relievers are usually sufficient for relieving this discomfort.

Fact: Dental Implants Are a Costly Procedure

Dental implants are certainly expensive, but that’s because they’re more involved than the alternatives. They require several office visits, imaging, one or more surgeries, anesthesia, and custom-made replacement teeth, among other costs. The expense can also seem steep because dental implants are rarely covered by insurance and must be paid for out-of-pocket.

Fact: Dental Implants Are the Most Natural Replacement Option for Missing Teeth

Provided you go to a skilled dental implant provider, you don’t have to worry about your implants looking fake. The options for replacing missing teeth are bridges, dentures, or dental implants; dental implants look no less real than bridges or dentures and of the three, they’re the most natural replacement for missing teeth. You’ll never have to worry about them limiting the foods you eat, impacting your speech, or slipping out of your mouth because they look and function just like your real teeth.

Are you ready to learn more about dental implants? Contact us at 862-247-8030 to schedule a visit to our Lodi, NJ office.