Do you need a tooth replacement? You may know that a dental implant is one option for replacing a tooth. A dental implant is an artificial tooth and root system. It consists of a titanium post that is placed in the jaw bone with a crown attached to the top. A dental implant, when placed properly, will look and function like a natural tooth. This is why the dental implant is considered to be the very best tooth replacement option.
Unfortunately, there are many myths surrounding dental implants that may cause some patients to avoid getting them. Here are some of the myths debunked with actual facts.
Myth: Implants look fake. One of the biggest myths about implants is that they don’t look realistic. People are worried that others will be able to tell that they have an implant, especially if it is one of the front teeth that is highly visible.
Fact: Implants look very natural. Dental implants look more natural than other tooth replacement options. Because a dental implant connects to the jaw through an artificial root, it actually looks more realistic than a bridge or dentures. The crown itself is made of porcelain, which closely resembles natural tooth enamel.
Myth: The procedure is painful. Another myth some people have is that the procedure to place a dental implant will be painful. It seems as if it would be invasive, which leads people to believe it will hurt.
Fact: You won’t feel pain when getting an implant. As with other dental procedures, you will have some form of anesthesia so that you won’t feel any pain. Sometimes a dental implant can be placed under local anesthesia, like the novocaine used for a cavity filling. This numbs the nerves that will be affected by the procedure. You can also be sedated, either through oral sedation or IV sedation. Oral sedation helps you to relax but you’ll still be awake. IV sedation makes you feel as if you are asleep so that you most likely will not remember the procedure. A dental implant procedure is no more painful than any other routine dental procedure.
Myth: Recovery takes a long time. There is a misconception that it takes a long time to recover from a dental implant procedure because you are required to wait a few months before the permanent crown can be placed.
Fact: Healing time is reasonable. The reason for the misconceptions is that after the titanium root of the implant is placed in the jaw bone, it takes a few months for it to fuse with the bone through the process of osseointegration. Although this process takes months, your recovery time from the placement of the implant root is just a few days. It may take a few days to a week for your mouth to heal following your procedure. Then you should feel as if you are back to normal.
Myth: Implants are not worth the cost. Dental implants are the most expensive tooth replacement option, which leads some people to believe they are not worth the money.
Fact: An implant is a lifelong investment. Just because it is an expensive procedure doesn’t mean it's not worth it. An implant, when placed properly, can last for the rest of your life. Once the implant fuses with the bone, the hold is solid and permanent. You’ll have the same bite strength as you would with a natural, healthy tooth. And you can finance the cost so that you can pay it off gradually.
Myth: A missing tooth is no big deal. Many people think that it’s not worthwhile to replace a missing tooth when it’s in the back of your mouth and not very visible.
Fact: There are negative consequences for not replacing a tooth. When a tooth is missing, the bone structure that held it in place begins to deteriorate. It will weaken over time and eventually dissolve. The weak portion can affect the rest of your jaw and cause other teeth to shift out of place. But a dental implant preserves the bone structure like a natural tooth would.
Get the Facts About Dental Implants from Artistic Family Dentistry of Silver Spring
If you’re interested in dental implants but still have some questions, Artistic Family Dentistry of Silver Spring is here to help. We provide dental implants to replace one or more missing teeth as well as implant supported bridges and dentures. After an initial consultation we can recommend the best option for you.
Call 240-641-5828 today to schedule a consultation or request an appointment. We look forward to helping you understand more about dental implants and determine if they are the right option for you.