A dental implant is the closest oral prosthetic to a real tooth. This device looks just like a real tooth, and also feels just like one. Dental implants make it possible for people who have lost a natural tooth to forget they have an artificial one –– that is something that people who use other teeth replacement options like dentures and bridges simply do not get.
Common misconceptions about getting a dental implant
There are some misconceptions and myths about dental implants. This article will explore some of the more common ones and separate the facts from fiction.
Myth 1: Getting a dental implant is a painful process
This is arguably the most common myth about dental implants, yet it could not be further from the truth. While the procedure does require the surgical insertion of implants, a local anesthetic is used, and the surgery is minimally invasive.
Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is also available for those who need it. This helps to keep people relaxed during dental treatments.
The installation of implants usually takes less than an hour, and patients are typically fully recovered from the surgery after a few days.
Myth 2: Implants take forever to heal
It does take up to six months for implants to fuse with the bone tissue holding them in place, but the soft tissues around the surgical site are typically healed within a few days. The patient experiences no discomfort while the implant fuses with jawbone tissue, so they are free to return to their regular routine.
Myth 3: Implants are not worth the cost
While implants are indeed one of the pricier tooth replacement options, many who have them would say they are worth every penny. The implant can last a lifetime with good oral hygiene, and it provides many benefits that do not come with alternatives like bridges or dentures.
Some of these benefits include:
Implants preserve bone tissue
They do not require specialized cleaning
The patient's eating habits are not restricted
Myth 4: Implants require special care like any other prosthetic
Implants require less care than other tooth replacement options. The only thing implants need to stay in tip-top condition is good oral hygiene and biannual visits to the dentist for cleanings and oral examinations.
Myth 5: Implants do not look like real teeth
One of the main benefits of implants is how similar they are to real teeth. It is pretty much impossible for others to detect the implant when the wearer opens their mouth. The color and shape are made to match the person's real teeth.
It should be noted that certain materials implant crowns are made from are resistant to stains. For example, porcelain does not stain much, so implant crowns made from porcelain might eventually become whiter than the patient's real teeth.
Ready for your dental implant?
Stop by our Tucson office to learn more about dental implants and the benefits that come with them.
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