5 Myths About Dental Implants Debunked

You might have heard some great things about dental implants – but you may have also heard some myths. Our dentist in Bellbrook loves to debunk these myths! Here are 5 common falsehoods about dental implants that might be preventing you from considering this life-changing tooth replacement treatment.

5 Myths about Dental Implants

1. Dental implants hurt

The implant procedure is more comfortable than you might realize. Advances in dental anesthesia, sedation, techniques, and technology have made dental implants minimally invasive and relatively pain-free. Because it is done under local anesthesia, you won’t feel pain during the procedure. Any mild discomfort you may experience immediately after the procedure usually responds to over-the-counter pain medications.  

2. Dental implants are expensive

While it is true that the procedure to get dental implants costs more than getting dental bridges or dentures, dental implants are a one-time investment that should last a lifetime with proper care. Dental bridges and dentures may cost less up front, but you’ll need to replace them every 7 to 10 years. This means that, over time, dental implants are a cost-effective solution to missing teeth.

3. Dental implants are bad for your oral health

Dental implants can protect the health of your mouth. Replacing a missing tooth can prevent your other teeth from drifting into the gap left behind, and these drifting teeth can twist and turn to become difficult to clean. Replacing an unhealthy tooth root with a dental implant can also prevent further infections in the jaw or oral cavity.  

Dental implants also allow you to eat crunchy vegetables, whole meats, whole grains, and other healthy food that you may have been unable to eat for a while. Avoiding these foods can lead to poor nutrition, which can lead to poor oral health.  

What’s more, dental implants stimulate the production of bone tissue in your jawbone – just like your natural tooth roots do. When you lose a tooth, you also lose this stimulation. As a result, your jawbone shrinks and becomes weaker, and this leaves you at a greater risk of losing more teeth. Losing bone tissue in your jaw also changes the shape of your face.  

4. Dentures are just as good as dental implants

Dentures and bridges can replace missing teeth, but dental implants offer a number of benefits over both types of tooth replacement.  

Disadvantages of dentures include:

• The potential to slip, slide, or fall out of your mouth

• Slurred speech

• Difficulty eating certain foods

• Discomfort and “hot spots” from poorly fitting dentures

• Extra oral care, such as soaking them overnight

• An unnatural appearance, as dentures tend to look fake

• Loss of bone density – dentures sit on top of the gums, so they do not stimulate the production of new bone tissue

• Changes in the shape of your face, as your jawbone shrinks  

Dental implants are a lot of work

Actually, you care for your dental implants in the same way that you care for your natural teeth – just brush and floss as usual. Our Bellbrook dentist, Dr. Somaiya, can offer other tips for keeping your dental implants looking, feeling, and functioning their best.  

Dental implants look fake

Dental technology has come a long way, especially in the materials dentists use to make replacement teeth. The replacement crowns that our practice in Bellbrook, OH uses are made from high-grade materials that have the natural luster and brilliance of natural teeth.  

Where Can I Get Dental Implants Near Me?

Whether you need to replace just one tooth with a single tooth dental implant or several teeth, Seva Dental can help. In addition to dental implants, we offer a wide variety of treatment solutions for every member of your family. Connect with Seva Dental today for more information about dental implants in Bellbrook.

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