Dental implants are titanium screws that are surgically placed into the jawbone where there are missing teeth below the gums. Once in place, your dentist can mount replacement teeth onto them. Your new tooth, a crown, will look and feel like real teeth.  

Since dental implants fuse with the jawbone, they provide stable support for artificial teeth. So it’s no wonder why many people are considering dental implants as a long-term solution for missing teeth. However, sometimes people are discouraged because of prevalent myths about dental implants McLean. We debunk such myths below.

Myth: Getting a dental implant is a painful process

Fact: Many people think that the process involved with getting dental implants is invasive and painful. While getting dental implants is not a comfortable experience since it is a surgical procedure, modern methods have considerably lowered the possibility of any pain you might feel.

Your dentist will administer local anesthesia to numb your teeth and gums.  You are most likely to feel pressure at the site of the procedure but not pain.

Myth: Dental implants are not worth the price

Fact: It is true that dental implants are more expensive than other dental procedures like, say, getting bridges but this is also because dental implants last much longer. You can look at it as a one-time investment. With other dental procedures, you end up paying more in the long run.

With bridges, you may have to be more careful while chewing but with a dental implant, it is almost as good as having normal teeth. Placing a dental bridge also involves harming the two adjacent teeth and leads to the jawbone below the missing tooth shrinking over time. But single implant treatment preserves the jawbone and is independent of the surrounding teeth. 

Myth: Dental implants take a long time to heal

Fact: People usually recover from the surgery within a few days. But dental implants do require a healing period. You must give the titanium post time to bond with the surrounding jaw and gum. In the standard case, it takes about 3 to 6 months’ time. This is not unreasonably long when you consider how little your day to day life is affected. Typically there is no discomfort felt during this period. All you need to do is take your medications regularly and follow a good oral hygiene routine.

Myth: Dental implants are not safe

Fact: Dental implants are safe. The success rate of dental implants is 95 to 98%. Since the implants are made of biocompatible titanium, the body does not reject them. As a result, the rate of dental implant failure is very low. In fact, the only way it may pose a health hazard is if you visit an unprofessional and there is a botched up surgery. So, when you go for a dental implant in McLean, it is all about choosing the right implant specialist.

Myth: Dental implants don’t look and feel natural

Fact: Dental implants function much like normal teeth. The tooth-shaped part of the dental implant, which is the crown, is made up of ceramic or porcelain. The crown is designed in such a manner as to resemble your existing teeth in shape, color, and appearance.

Since dental implants prevent your jawbone from deteriorating, they keep your smile and facial structure as natural as possible.

Myth: Dental implants require special cleaning and maintenance

Fact: Dental implants don’t require special cleaning and maintenance. You just need to maintain good oral hygiene. You can treat your implant the way you treat your natural teeth. Simply brushing and flossing your teeth twice daily will keep them clean. And unlike your normal teeth, they are not going to be susceptible to cavities or tooth decay.

Myth: Dental implants are for everyone

Fact: Contrary to general perception, not everyone can get a dental implant done. The dentist will conduct the procedure only if the bone tissue is strong enough to support implants. This is something that a good implant specialist will be able to judge with the help of proper diagnostics. Although, in some such cases, bone grafting can be a solution.

Do you have any questions about getting your dental implant in MacLean?