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Dental Implants: Debunking 4 Common Myths

18 January 2022

Harper Hughes

If you have a missing tooth/teeth, you have probably heard about dental implants. Also called teeth implants, these are metal posts or screws that a dentist places into your jawbone beneath the gums. Afterward, a replacement tooth is mounted onto the post. 

Tooth implants come with multiple benefits, like the ability to restore your natural smile and maintain bone health. Sadly, various misconceptions are still passed around about implants, preventing some qualified candidates from getting them. 

Here, you debunk four commonly believed myths about dental implants.

Myth 1: Dental Implants Can Be Too Expensive

Dental implants are more expensive than dentures or bridges, but you need to look at them as a long-term investment. You pay more upfront for implants, but you will not require ongoing replacements as you would with dentures or bridges. This means you may save lots of money over time. 

Besides, there is more involved in getting dental implants than with dentures or bridges. Typically, dental implants need several office visits, impressions and imaging, anesthesia, surgery, and custom-made replacement teeth. This shows they're more expensive than other basic dental treatments for a reason.

Myth 2: Implant Surgery Is Risky

Every surgery comes with some risk, but dental implants have been found to have a success rate of up to 98%. The procedure has also become incredibly easier and more comfortable with advancements in technology. 

While you might have heard stories about implant failure, most of those cases come down due to getting implants when you weren't qualified in the first place. Thus, it's advisable to only work with licensed dentists when getting your implants. 

Myth 3: Dental Implants Don't Look Like Natural Teeth

This isn't true. Dental implants have a similar look and feel to natural teeth. The materials used in the crown have a translucent quality that gives them the same tone, shine, and color as normal teeth. You can also pick your preferred level of whiteness to avoid an excessively fake white smile. 

If you're missing just one tooth, your dentist can also match its color to the surrounding teeth for consistency. Most importantly, you don't have to worry about poorly fitting implants like you would with dentures. Your implants are securely fitted, making it almost impossible for them to fall out. 

Myth 4: You Won't Be Able to Eat Normal Foods After Getting Implants

While you may need to follow a particular diet after your surgery, that is only temporary. After a few days, you can resume your diet as usual.  

If you have been avoiding your favorite foods due to ill-fitting dentures or missing teeth, those dark days are behind you after getting implants. You can break ribs and chomp corn as much as you like. Their functional capabilities are the same as natural teeth. 

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