Do you need dental implants?

If you’ve lost one or more teeth due to injury or disease, dental implants can help restore your smile and improve your dental health.

Still, you might be a little unsure about moving forward with this treatment if you’ve heard some of the myths floating around about it. Thankfully, we’re here to dispel those! In this post, we’re sharing and debunking 10 of the most common misconceptions about dental implants. Let’s set the record straight on how they work and the benefits they provide.

Myth #1: Dental implants are painful.

At Bentz Dental Implants & Prosthodontics, our top priority during care is to provide our patients with a comfortable experience. That includes managing discomfort before, during, and after implant treatment. Our dental team has access to advanced technology that allows us to keep our patients extra comfortable.

This includes sedation dentistry, which can range in effect from mild to deep sedation. In addition to oral sedatives, we also offer nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, to ease mild to moderate dental anxiety.

We understand your concerns and are here to put your mind at ease. Check out what Dr. Bentz has to say about what you can expect during your implant placement.

Myth #2: I’ll have to visit a surgeon.

Actually, that’s true, but not in the way that most people think. Dr. Bentz is a board-certified prosthodontist and implant surgeon. Dr. Bentz has also served as president of the Pennsylvania Prosthodontic Association.

In addition to performing implant surgeries, Dr. Bentz educates other dentists on proper dental implant techniques. After practicing for more than two decades, you can trust that he has the skills, education, and experience required to handle every step of your procedure with care.

What are the benefits of having every step of your treatment performed under one roof? For one, you can work directly with the dental team you’re already comfortable with. You don’t have to learn new names, meet new people, or seek out any referrals. This way, when it’s time for your implant surgery, you can feel as comfortable as possible without any of the confusion or complexity of navigating a different office.

Click here to listen to Dr. Bentz explain more about how to choose the right prosthodontist for your implant procedure.

Myth #3: I’m better off with my natural teeth or no teeth.

Of course, your natural teeth are always preferable. However, if you’ve lost one (or a few) teeth to injury, disease, or decay, a dental implant truly is the next best thing!

Your implant is a close second only to nature due to a fascinating process called osseointegration. Through osseointegration, the dental implant starts to become a permanent part of your jawbone as soon as it is in place. The osseointegration process can take between three and six months.

In addition to this process, there are other factors that affect the longevity and natural appearance of your implant. These include the materials and procedures used to design them and secure them into place.

Modern implant materials are as elegant and discreet as they are durable and long-lasting. When used alongside advanced techniques and expert care, the result is surprisingly realistic.

Myth #4: Everyone will know I have dental implants.

You’ll be amazed at how real your dental implants look. They mimic your natural tooth and are indistinguishable from the rest of your teeth. When you meet someone for the first time, the only way they’ll be able to tell that you have an implant is if you tell them. As for anyone familiar with your former smile, they’ll just notice how much more radiant and healthy your teeth are!

Myth #5: Dental implants won’t last long.

When performed correctly by a professional dentist or dental surgeon, your implant can last a lifetime. How can you help them stay in place for as long as possible? A solid at-home oral hygiene routine, coupled with regular preventative visits to your dentist.

By brushing and flossing around your implant, you can keep bacteria at bay and extend the life of your treatment.

Myth #6: I’m not the right age for dental implants.

Worried you’re too old or too young for implants? A patient’s age is not a chief determining factor when addressing their candidacy for this particular treatment. Instead, we’ll look at a few other factors, including:

These are only a few of the qualifying factors to consider, but they’re much more indicative of a successful dental implant process than your age is. Sometimes, you may need other dental services before you can become a good candidate for implants. If this is the case, Dr. Bentz can provide those treatments and prepare you for the next step.

Wondering if you’re a good candidate for an implant? Dr. Bentz can help you answer that question!

Myth #7: Dental implants are too expensive.

Dental implants can have a higher initial cost than other procedures. However, it’s important to consider the long-term value of the investment. These are designed to last much longer than other restorative treatments, including conventional bridges and dentures.

If properly maintained, you won’t have to replace your implant. This will save you time and money down the road and helps to make the option more financially feasible.

Myth #8: I can’t eat my favorite foods with dental implants.

Once your dental implant is in, you can treat it like a normal tooth. This includes eating your favorite foods! Just remember to brush and floss daily to keep it strong and healthy. It’s also important to take great care of your gums.

While periodontitis can weaken the bond around your implant, it’s easy to avoid if you maintain good oral hygiene. By staying up-to-date on your dental visits with Dr. Bentz, you can keep your implant looking and feeling great for a very long time! If a missing tooth has hindered your ability to enjoy certain foods in the past, this is one incredible benefit you’ll appreciate.

Myth #9: The recovery is long.

Full recovery from your dental implants can take a few months, depending on your individual situation, but the healing process won’t hold you back. Many of Dr. Bentz’s patients can return to work the same day as the implant procedure.

Full osseointegration takes place over the following months, allowing your dental implant to fully bond to the bone in your mouth and gums. As you heal, you’ll find that the recovery isn’t only shorter than you’d expect but also comfortable. You might experience a little tenderness, but it’s usually manageable with over-the-counter pain medication.

Dr. Bentz explains more about how the implant recovery process works in this video.

Myth #10: Dental implants have a high rate of failure.

With proper maintenance, dental implants are highly successful. As technology and techniques continue to develop, reported rates of failure are declining every year. In fact, for the past 10 years, implants have had a success rate of more than 97%.

Dr. Bentz has one of the leading implant success rates in the industry. This is attributed to the state-of-the-art tools and technologies he uses, as well as his experience, expertise, and detailed approach to aftercare.

At our office, we have specific and advanced technologies that reduce the rate of failure. One of those is computer-enhanced treatment planning. This is made possible through i-CAT 3D Imaging, a revolutionary cone-beam, 3D dental imaging system that provides complete, thorough data about your teeth and gums. With one painless, 20-second scan, Dr. Bentz can create a comprehensive image that allows him to make a precise dental health diagnosis. This system uses less radiation than traditional CT scanners and also enables more effective information sharing between dentists and patients.

The 3D model we analyze reveals key details about your bone quality, bone quantity, and bone location. Referencing this data allows us to ensure the ideal placement of your implant. We can also use these insights to work closely with your restorative dentist to make sure the procedure is successful.

Discover the Power of Dental Implants

You don’t have to hide your smile. You deserve a full set of bright, healthy teeth that allow you to live life to the fullest. Dental implants are an excellent treatment option for many people who experience tooth loss. Don’t let the 10 myths above dissuade you from learning more about this valuable procedure.

To learn more about our approach to implants or schedule a consultation, contact our team today.

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East Norriton, PA 19401

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