A dental implant is a restorative solution for people who have one or more missing teeth. The popular treatment can restore so much more than just the function of your teeth. It can also bring back confidence in your smile and make everything from talking to chewing easier.
Given their prevalence, it may come as a surprise that they are subject to many misconceptions. Like any other treatment, it’s important to separate fact from fiction so that you know exactly what to expect if you’re getting an implant.
Myth: Dental implants cause a lot of pain.
Fact: The implant placement procedure itself will not hurt since you will be numb. Some discomfort will occur when administering the local anesthesia to numb the affected area. During the procedure you will feel a gentle pulling sensation or occasional pressure.
As the pain medication wears off in the hours and days following, you may develop some swelling or bruising. You may also feel sore and experience twinges of pain. Over-the-counter pain medications such as Ibuprofen and Tylenol in most cases is all that is needed.
In rare circumstances, for example when larger bone grafts or full-arch reconstructions are needed, a stronger pain medication may be needed for a few days after the procedure.
Most patients will not require any pain medication at all after receiving a routine dental implant procedure.
Myth: Dental implants are only for older individuals.
Fact: Adults of any age can benefit from dental implants as long as they have completed growth (children or teenagers, who are still growing, cannot have implants and have to wait until they have completed growth).
Many younger patients fracture a tooth when playing sports or lose a tooth to dental decay.
Especially in those younger patients dental implants are the treatment of choice since they are the most durable and most predictable long-term solution to tooth loss.
Myth: Dental implants look artificial.
Fact: In actuality, a dental implant is the superior choice if your primary concern is a natural appearance. They not only function just like real teeth, but also look like them. Their strength is due partially to their materials. Implants are typically made with either zirconia or titanium. The jawbone fuses to the implant, creating a stable environment for the crown that’s placed on top as the final step of the process.
Crowns are just as strong, offering the reliable performance and stability that you would expect of your natural teeth. You can select from a variety of shades to ensure that the crown blends in well with neighboring teeth, creating a seamless appearance.
Myth: Dental implants tend to fail.
Fact: Like any other type of procedure, there’s always a risk of failure involved. However, the failure rate of dental implants is extremely low and varies between 2% and 5%.
Major risk factors for implant failures are poorly controlled diabetes, smoking and poor oral hygiene.
This is why it’s crucial to live a healthy lifestyle and care for the implant just as you do for your other teeth.
Explore Dental Implant Options at Schrott Perio Implants
Whether your case is simple or complex, you can rely on the experienced team at Schrott Perio Implants to resolve it with care and professionalism. Proudly serving patients throughout Belmont and surrounding areas, we’re committed to treating your situation with the time and attention that you deserve. Whether you need an implant or have gum disease, we are here to help. Visit us online for more information, or call (617) 484-9240 to schedule an appointment.