4 Common Myths About Dental Implants

Dental Implants Bellevue, WA

A popular option for replacing missing teeth is dental implants. Implants offer many unique advantages, and most patients are extremely satisfied with them. Nevertheless, not everyone has a good understanding of implants and the process involved in placing them. As a result, some myths about them persist.

What are some common myths about dental implants?

Most mistaken ideas about implants are honest misunderstandings based on faulty information or confusion with other treatments. Here are some myths that persist about dental implants.

1. Implants only last for 10 years

Many types of dental restorations have a limited life span of about a decade. Dental implants are an exception. Studies have shown that they can last for several decades. Implants have an excellent success rate, but it is up to you to follow the postoperative instructions with which you are provided following the procedure. If you do not follow the instructions, it increases the risk of failure of your implant.

2. Implants look unnatural and feel fake

Dental implants closely mimic the look and feel of natural teeth. The titanium rod is inserted directly into the jawbone. Over time, the two become integrated, just as the roots of a natural tooth are. The prosthesis is made of durable materials that mimic the appearance of your natural teeth so closely that even someone who is looking closely should not be able to tell the difference. When you speak or chew, there is virtually no difference between the feel and function of a natural tooth and a dental implant.

3. You cannot get a dental implant if your extraction happened some time ago

It is true that, over time, having missing teeth leads to a loss of bone density in the jaw. If the tooth was lost or extracted many years ago, the jaw may not be able to support an implant. However, it may be possible to perform a bone graft to strengthen the jaw sufficiently. This requires a separate procedure with its recovery period. A dentist should be able to inform you whether you are a candidate for an implant with bone grafting.

4. The recovery process from a dental implant procedure takes a long time

It depends on what you consider to be a long time. A dental implant does need time to heal and integrate completely with the jawbone so it can adequately support a prosthesis. This process typically takes about three to six months. If you require a bone grafting procedure before placement of a dental implant, the graft has to complete its osseointegration process, adding another three to six months onto your treatment time. As a result, it can take up to a year to complete the process of placing dental implants. However, considering that your implant should last you the rest of your life, this is a relatively short time to wait.

Conclusion

Myths about dental implants grow out of inaccurate or outdated information. Some mistaken ideas come from confusion with other restoration options.

Request an appointment here: https://artisandentalbellevue.com or call Artisan Dental at (425) 454-2005 for an appointment in our Bellevue office.

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