Learn the truth about these common dental implant misconceptions.
Dental implants have been around for decades and have rapidly become the premium choice for permanent tooth replacement. However, there are still some myths surrounding dental implants floating around. Some of these dental implant myths may be outright incorrect, while others are simply an exaggeration of the truth.
Here are the most common myths we hear at Bentz Dental Implant & Prosthodontic Center.
1. Dental implants are too expensive for the average person.
It’s true that the upfront costs of dental implants are more expensive than alternative prosthetic tooth replacement options. That being said, it’s important to weigh the value versus the costs of dental implants compared to the alternatives. Ongoing maintenance and replacement of traditional dentures or dental bridges often wind up costing more in the long run than dental implants.
2. Dental implants won’t work if your teeth have been missing for years.
Removing a damaged tooth and immediately replacing it with a dental implant is ideal, but it’s absolutely not the only option. If you lost a tooth years ago, it’s still very possible to receive a dental implant. Dr. Bentz is able to do a bone graft in the jaw to replace any naturally absorbed bone. From there, you can proceed with dental implant surgery.
3. Dental implant surgery is really painful and risky.
Dental implant surgery is very low-risk and virtually painless during the procedure. You’ll be fully numbed during the surgery, and though the process does take longer than a dental crown or similar restoration, you’ll be comfortable the entire time. As far as risk goes, dental implant surgery is incredibly safe. Dr. Bentz will go over your health history prior to your appointment to ensure you’re a suitable candidate.
4. The healing period for dental implants takes too long.
Dental implants are often said to take forever to heal. This isn’t quite true. Dental implants do require a few months of healing in order for the jawbone to properly grow around the post. However, any initial discomfort and the need for a soft-food diet is limited to only a couple of weeks. After this very short period, you’ll go back to feeling normal, eating the foods you love, and being free from any swelling or discomfort.
5. People will be able to tell you have dental implants.
Modern dental implants are incredibly deceptive in how realistic they look. Aside from family and friends noticing a gap in your smile is now filled, no one will be able to look at your teeth and point out which tooth is an implant. Dr. Bentz goes to great lengths to design the dental implant crown to perfectly match the patient’s surrounding teeth in color, shape, and translucency.
6. Your diet will have to be restricted with dental implants.
The only period of time where you’ll need to be cautious of your diet is during the first phase of the healing process. After this, you’ll be able to return to eating all of the foods you love. In fact, patients with missing teeth are often overjoyed to find they can once again properly chew and eat foods they weren’t able to previously.
7. You’re too old/young to have dental implants.
Age is rarely a factor in deciding whether an individual is a candidate for dental implants. As far as “too young” is concerned, as long as your jaw is finished growing, you’ll be able to get a dental implant. This often happens in the late teens or very early 20s. You’re never too old for dental implants either. More and more seniors are swapping their dentures for beautiful new dental implants.
8. Dental implants feel unnatural when speaking or eating.
Dental implants are the closest thing you can get to natural teeth. They feel and function like a healthy natural tooth, both in terms of how your body accepts the implants and how you feel. Speaking and eating are not an issue at all. Many patients who are replacing a dental bridge or set of dentures often do so because of the solid stability dental implants offer.
9. Dental implant rejection is a common problem.
Quite the opposite, actually. The rate of rejection in dental implants placed on ideal candidates is as low as 5%, making it a very rare issue for someone to encounter. Dr. Bentz takes extreme precautions to ensure rejection risks are virtually impossible. As long as patients follow care guidelines during the healing process and maintain optimal oral health, chances are they’ll never experience an issue for the life of their dental implant.
10. Dental implants become yellowed and stained over time.
The dental crown that forms your new prosthetic tooth is highly resistant to staining — even more than natural tooth enamel. As long as you care for your teeth properly at home and see Dr. Bentz and the team for professional cleanings every six months, your dental implant crowns will remain bright.
Book your dental implant consultation with Dr. Bentz today.
The best way to learn how dental implants may benefit your unique smile is to schedule a private consultation with Dr. Bentz. These consultations are a way to ask questions about dental implants and discover if you’re a candidate for this procedure. Unsure if dental implants are the right choice? Dr. Bentz can even offer alternative treatment options that may be a better fit.
You can schedule your consultation today by either calling our office or filling out this request form.