Dental CareNovember 9, 2023No Comment

Debunking 7 common misconceptions about dental implants

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Dental implants are something you may have heard about or considered if you have missing teeth. Also called tooth implants, these are metal screws or posts surgically inserted into the mandible behind the gums to replace the missing tooth’s root. These implants are strong, solid, and permanent. The replacement teeth are affixed to the screws after positioning. They function, feel, and appear like natural teeth.

However, there are still misconceptions regarding dental implants that keep some eligible applicants from receiving the necessary dental care. Our Meridian dentist seeks to dispel some of these fallacies below:

Implant surgery is excruciating

The truth is, your dentist’s explanation of implant dentistry may make it appear more gruesome than it is. Implants can cause some discomfort initially, but the process is painless since it is performed with local anesthesia. Therefore, you won’t feel any discomfort at all while receiving therapy. Your dentist will prescribe pain medication if needed for the post-operation.

Implants are not long-lasting.

Not accurate! Implants can last for many years or a lifetime with proper care, but each patient is unique, and there are no promises. This entails frequent dental visits, brushing, and flossing like you would take care of your natural teeth. Implants have a long lifespan due to their sealing beneath a crown.

Implants are very noticeable.

Not exactly! Nobody can tell you have implants unless you say it because they look like natural teeth. This is because the materials used to create the implant crown are translucent and have access to the newest dental technology. Implants also help your mouth, smile, and face maintain their natural shapeto ensure that no one believes your teeth are artificial.

Implants are only suitable for young adults.

In actuality, age has no bearing on whether or not a person is a good candidate for an implant. Instead, a dentist will assess the general health, gum tissue health, and strength of the jaw bone of the patient. It’s these that matter, not how old someone is.

Implants restrict your meals.

TRUTH: Dental implants do not limit your food in any manner; you can eat all meals like other people. You may feel discomfort when chewing following an implant treatment; however, this will pass quickly, allowing you to consume any meal you like.

You will get new teeth in a day.

This myth originated from enthusiastic promotion, which led some people to believe that they might have implants in a single day. Indeed, patients can typically have implants in their mouths in a single day. Still, there are other extensive steps involved in the implant process, such as initial consultation, dental X-rays or scans, implant preparation, and possibly follow-up appointments. This procedure guarantees the appropriate placement of the implants and the patient’s suitability as an implant candidate.

It takes a long time to recover.

Following dental implant surgery, your jawbone must acclimate to the new “foreign” object inside your implant, which will take some months to get used to. But you can continue your daily activities as your mouth heals and adjusts.