Factors like decay, cavities, gum disease, or injury may require pulling out one or more of your teeth. Regardless of the cause, you have to consider replacing the missing teeth sooner rather than later. Beyond restoring your smile, restorations can also help improve chewing and talking functions. Among other options, dental implants stand out as a permanent and better way to replace missing teeth, and in this post, let’s debunk the common misconceptions about the treatment.
Misconception 1 – Choice of the dentist doesn’t matter
Choosing the right dentist in Cotswold, Charlotte, NC, for dental implants can make all the difference. The qualifications, credentials, and experience of the dentist can drastically improve the outcomes, and if that means paying a tad more for the procedure, the extra is worth it.
Misconception 2 – Implant is a replacement tooth
No, a dental implant is not a replacement tooth. It is a replacement tooth root. Made of titanium, implants are placed inside the jawbone and become a part of the oral structure. The replacement teeth are fixed to the implant with the help of a connector, also called an abutment.
Misconception 3 – Implant-supported dentures are the same as regular dentures
Regular dentures are designed to replace teeth and sit on the gums. One of the many reasons why patients don’t like traditional dentures is the way they slip and move inside the mouth, which can be embarrassing. Implant-supported dentures are fixed and don’t move around. While both types of dentures need replacement at some point, dentures that are sitting on implants offer better functionality.
Misconception 4 – Getting dental implants is painful
While placing the implants requires surgery, the procedure is no more painful than an extraction. Like most dental procedures, dentists use local anesthesia, and the patient doesn’t feel anything. If you have any concerns or have anxiety about the treatment, talk to your dentist about IV sedation, which can help you feel at ease. If many implants are placed at once, you may have some pain after the anesthesia effects wear off, but you will usually receive pain relievers for the symptoms. Your dentist may also recommend antibiotics and other medications to speed up the healing process.
Misconception 5 – Bone grafting is necessary for getting implants
While bone grafting is required for some patients, it is not a must. If you decide to get dental implants soon after the removal of your affected/decayed teeth, you will not need a bone graft. However, if significant time has passed and there is a significant decline in bone mass, you will benefit from the grafting procedure. Your dentist will usually do a complete exam and take additional imaging tests, along with computed tomography, to decide whether an additional step is necessary.
Misconception 6 – Implants are only for relatively younger patients
This myth is kind of weird. Some people believe that one has to be relatively young to get implants, while others believe the treatment is for seniors. Neither is right. There are no age restrictions when it comes to dental implants. Patients as young as 18 and as old as 90 have benefited from implants.
Misconception 7 – Dental implants are expensive
While the upfront costs of the treatment are high, the overall advantages outweigh the price. Dental implants can last a lifetime, and even the replacement teeth in the form of crowns, bridges, and dentures can last a decade or more. If your insurance doesn’t cover the cost of implants, talk to the clinic to check whether they have flexible payment options. Once placed successfully, implants are meant to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Schedule a consultation with a reputed dentist in Cotswold today to learn more about implants, including candidature, risks, and other aspects.