For those suffering from tooth loss, dentures were the only treatment available for many years. With advances in dental technology, however, the possibilities out there for restoring your smile to its former glory are as exciting as ever.
Dental Implants are considered to be one of the most successful treatment options for replacing missing teeth both cosmetically and structurally. Losing a tooth can not only affect your self-esteem, but can actually be detrimental to your jaw bone and surrounding teeth. Dental implants can correct this.
Despite being such a reliable solution, there are several misconceptions about dental implants that need to be cleared up.
Recovery is Painful, and Isn’t Worth It
Most people report that discomfort from the procedure is less than they expected. During the procedure you will likely experience no discomfort. Discomfort during recovery is typically less than for an extraction.
The healing time associated with dental implants can vary from patient to patient. While one case may take upwards of six months to fully recover, another could take only two. The reason recovery can take longer than other procedures is because when the titanium root of an implant is inserted, it needs time to fuse with the jaw bone. Through this process, also called osseointegration, the dental implant will be able to function as a regular tooth by stimulating the jaw bone, preventing further bone loss. Bone loss can cause a number of problems within the mouth, including shifting teeth. Because dental implants are able to prevent this, many patients find the recovery time well worth it.
But many people can get fully functional dental implants the same day their teeth are removed. This is one of the goals of the All-on-4 protocol. Healing takes time, but while it’s taking place you may still have a full set of functional, attractive teeth.
Dental Implants Don’t Look Natural
Being worried that a dental procedure will make your mouth look like a science experiment is a common fear. With dental implants, however, that fear is misplaced. The visible portion of a dental implant is constructed from high-grade ceramic that closely resembles the natural gleam of tooth enamel. Your dentist will work hard to ensure that it matches the size, color, and shape of your other teeth.
Dental Implants Could Be Rejected
The truth is that dental implants rejection is an extremely unlikely occurrence. The overall success rate of dental implants is over 98%, with rejection accounting for few of the failures.
Working with an experienced dentist and following proper procedures can give you better-than-average odds of success. We’ve had years to perfect the procedure, and now implants have an incredibly high success rate. We take many factors that may contribute to failure into account before the procedure, such as advanced gum disease, low bone density, and smoking. That way, we can improve your odds of success even more.
Dental Implants Are a Lot of Work
Many believe that dental implants require a lot of added time and care. The truth is that dental implants require no special care. You should brush and floss twice a day, and make your regular dental checkups. There are no dietary restrictions.
Few People Are Candidates
Another common misconception about dental implants is the feeling that you wouldn’t be a good candidate. In general, there are only three criteria you must meet:
- Do you have one or more missing teeth?
- Are you an adult?
- Is your health good enough for surgery?
In general, people who meet those criteria are candidates for dental implants. The best way to determine if dental implants are a good fit for you is by scheduling an appointment and speaking with your dentist.
If you’d like to discuss your options in Westchester County, please contact us today for an appointment at Advanced Dentistry of Mohegan Lake.
