Dental implants are among the best solutions for patients with missing teeth. Not only do they help in doing simple activities like eating and talking but also bring back patients’ confidence in their smiles.
But as with any other things, there are also misconceptions about dental implants. So, listed below are clarifications on myths about dental implants to be debunked.
Myth 1: Dental Implants Are a Waste of Money
Dental implants are not a waste of money because they’re a long-lasting solution for tooth loss. In other words, your implant screws will last a lifetime, while the crown or artificial teeth attached to them take 10 to 15 years until they need to be replaced. They also maintain your jawbone structure to prevent any changes to your face shape and reduce the impact of tooth loss in your natural speech.
Moreover, unlike dentures, dental implants are permanent, so they don’t need replacement or maintenance. They only require the same amount of care as your natural teeth, like regular brushing and flossing as well as a dental check-up and cleaning every six months.
Myth 2: Dental Implants Don’t Look Natural
The crowns attached to your dental implants function as your artificial teeth. They are designed to imitate your natural teeth’s color and shape, so you don’t need to worry about their appearance because your prosthodontist will ensure that your crowns blend naturally.
Myth 3: Dental Implant Surgery Is Painful
The surgical procedure of placing a dental implant is not painful because it’s performed with either general or local anesthesia. It numbs the mouth so that the patient will not feel any pain throughout the operation, even as the dental surgeon creates an incision to your gums. Although the anesthesia wears off after the surgery, the patient will only experience some mild discomfort, which is temporary and manageable.
Listen to Your Dentist
If you hear other myths about dental implants, always ask your dentist to verify or clarify these claims. In that way, you are equipped with the right information that will help you understand the entire process. For more information about dental implants, contact Affordable Smiles. Our dental specialists at our offices in Gretna, Hammond, Baton Rouge, Metairie, and Gulfport are more than willing to answer your questions. Contact us today!