Debunking Dental Implant Myths

by | Mar 3, 2023 | Dental Implants

Dental implants are an effective solution for missing teeth and other dental concerns. In addition to the cosmetic benefits, implants can help prevent or treat issues that arise from missing teeth. There’s lots of information online about dental implants, and not all of it is correct.

In this article, we’ll debunk some of the most common dental implant myths and give you the truth behind them.

Myth 1. Implants look and feel unnatural

There’s a common misconception that dental implants look fake. However, dental implant technology has come a long way over the last several decades. Modern implants are usually made from biocompatible materials like titanium or zirconia, which fuse to your jawbone and look and function just like natural teeth.

Dental crowns and other replacements can also be carefully customized to match the shape and color of your existing teeth, so no one will be able to tell the difference between your implant and the rest of your smile.

Myth 2. Implant surgery is painful

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It’s normal to feel anxious before any type of surgery, and dental procedures have a reputation for being painful and uncomfortable. But modern dental implant surgery doesn’t have to be painful.

During surgery, you’ll be provided an effective anesthetic to ensure you don’t feel any pain. While it’s normal to feel some tenderness in the days following your surgery, it’s generally manageable with rest and over-the-counter pain medication.

Myth 3. Implants don’t last

Many people are under the impression that they’ll have to replace their implant within about 10 years due to wear and tear. However, with proper maintenance dental implants are a long-term solution and can last several decades or even the rest of your life!

Myth 4. Implants are difficult to care for

You might believe that dental implants require specialized care that is difficult or expensive to maintain. However, dental implants require the exact same level of care as natural teeth.

Just keep up with your daily oral hygiene and get professional dental cleanings and exams twice a year to keep your implant looking and feeling just like new.

Myth 5. Implants are expensive

While dental implants do require an upfront cost, the longevity and health benefits of your restoration will save you money on expensive procedures in the future. Depending on your dental insurance plan, you may only be responsible for a small portion of your treatment.

When you visit Smart Arches for your dental implant consultation, we’ll examine your teeth and give you an accurate and reliable estimate absolutely free.

Myth 6. Implants aren’t covered by dental insurance

In some cases, insurance companies may not cover the cost of dental implant surgery. But this isn’t always the case. While it’s true that some insurance policies don’t cover implants, full-coverage dental insurance plans often do. Even if your insurance doesn’t cover the surgery itself, it may cover the crown, bridge, or other dental restoration that it supports.

It’s always worth looking into whether or not your insurance covers the cost of any treatment. But even if it doesn’t, dental implants may still be a cost-effective solution because they typically last much longer than dentures.

Myth 7. It’s hard to eat and speak with implants

This is one of the most common myths about dental implants, and it couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, missing teeth often cause issues related to eating and speaking, and dental implants provide a solution to this problem.

Myth 8. Implants are just a cosmetic treatment

Some patients assume that dental implants are purely a cosmetic fix for missing teeth. But this is definitely not the case. High-quality dental implants aren’t just an aesthetic solution. They’re also essential to the long-term health of your teeth, jaw, and nearby facial structures.

If left untreated for a long period of time, missing teeth can lead to bone loss in the jaw, shifting teeth, bite alignment issues, and difficulty chewing and talking. Dental implants can effectively restore the structural integrity of your smile and help prevent these issues from occurring or worsening.

Get your questions about dental implants answered!

At Smart Arches, we specialize in providing high-quality dental implants to patients with diverse needs and oral health histories. Using advanced technology, our experienced team approaches each patient with transparency and compassion.

Contact us or call one of our convenient locations to get a FREE dental implant consultation and transform your smile!