Are you missing teeth? One of the great things about living in the 21st century is the fact that missing teeth can be a thing of the past. You no longer need to settle for gaps in your smile. There are several different tooth replacement options to choose from, including dental implants. They have all sorts of benefits, but there is plenty of misinformation circulating as well. Here are some common dental implant myths that you shouldn’t let fool you.
Myth 1: Dental Implants Are Only for Old People
There are many older individuals out there that suffer from tooth loss, but they aren’t the only ones who can benefit from dental implants. This tooth replacement option can be ideal for people of all ages as long as the jawbone has finished developing. This generally occurs in your early 20s. If your gums and bones are in good health, dental implants may be the answer. It is up to your dentist to determine whether or not you make a good candidate, regardless of your age.
Myth 2: Dental Implants Don’t Look Like Real Teeth
One of the many great benefits of dental implants is the fact that they blend in with the rest of your smile. No one will even be able to tell that they aren’t your natural teeth. After careful planning, your dentist will place your implant into the most ideal location for osteointegration to take place. Your dental crown is made to be the exact size, shape, and color to provide you with a natural looking smile.
Myth 3: Getting Dental Implants Is Painful
You may feel some discomfort after the procedure is done, but overall, the process doesn’t involve much pain. During your procedure, you may feel some pressure, but your teeth and gums will be completely numbed with a local anesthetic so that you don’t feel any pain. During the recovery period, your dentist will provide you with recommendations and/or pain medications in order to help relieve any discomfort.
Myth 4: You Must Follow a Restricted Diet
You will need to stick to softer foods whenever your dental implants are still healing, but once the healing process is complete and osseointegration has taken place, you can pretty much eat whatever you want within reason. Dental implants restore up to 90% of your natural bite force.
Myth 5: Dental Implants Are Expensive
Dental implants aren’t always as pricy as you would expect. When you are considering dental implants, you need to think of them as an investment. They can last upwards of 25 years or even the rest of your life if you care for them properly. During this time, you don’t need to worry about having them relined or replaced like dentures. You can even eliminate adhesives and soaking tablets from your shopping list. Depending on the type of insurance benefits that you have, they can be relatively affordable.
Don’t let the misinformation floating around get into your head. By discussing questions that you have with your dentist, you can determine whether or not this is the tooth replacement option for you.
About the Author
Dr. Cher Rich is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for well over a decade. She earned her dental doctorate from the University of Texas at Houston Dental School. To learn more about dental implants so you can make an informed decision about your oral health, or to schedule a consultation at her office in Houston, visit her website or call (281) 469-6281.