Many experts consider dental implants the ideal way to rebuild smiles after losing one or more adult teeth because of their unique placement in your jaw. Unlike dentures and bridges, these restorations fuse with your jawbone, helping them remain firmly in place so they’re unlikely to be damaged, destabilized, or dislodged.
But you might avoid scheduling a consultation with your dentist if you’ve heard false information that might have influenced your opinion about this treatment. Continue reading to learn about 3 rumors about dental implants that you shouldn’t believe!
Myth #1: They Will Look Fake
Gaps in your grin left behind by teeth that went missing can make you feel self-conscious about your appearance or worried that others might judge the way you look. Then, you might avoid getting dental implants if you’ve heard that they look bulky, awkward, or stick out like a sore thumb.
But these replacements are capped with lifelike prosthetics, such as a tooth-colored dental crown, bridge, or dentures, depending on how many teeth were lost. The customizable materials can be carefully crafted to match the size, shape, and tone of your natural enamel for beautiful results that blend in seamlessly, so no one is likely to notice the difference.
Myth #2: They Can Get Cavities
You might also hesitate to proceed with implants if you’re convinced they will develop decay, but thankfully, that’s not the case. Although they look and function more like natural teeth than traditional dentures or bridges, they’re not made from the same organic materials, so they aren’t affected by bacteria in your mouth in the same way. That means your restorations technically can’t get cavities.
With that said, it’s possible for them to develop an infection, such as peri-implantitis, which is the leading cause of failure, so it’s essential that you maintain a twice-daily at-home dental hygiene routine. Brushing and flossing morning and night removes plaque and residue to help prevent dental problems.
Myth #3: They Are Too Expensive
These prosthetics are the only ones that are surgically embedded directly into your jaw so they can eventually fuse with the bone through a process called osseointegration. The biocompatible materials and oral surgery required tend to cost more up front than alternative solutions, and you might worry that they’re out of your price range.
Fortunately, many dentists believe that their patients deserve top-quality services regardless of their current financial circumstances and offer ways to help make treatments more affordable. For instance, they might partner with third-party vendors, such as CareCredit or Cherry, to offer low- to no-interest flexible payment plans that allow you to divide your total invoice into more manageable installments that are easier on your budget.
If you have other unanswered questions or concerns about getting dental implants, you can learn more by scheduling an appointment with your provider!
Meet the Author
Dr. Steven Sokolik has over a decade of experience helping people of all ages build the happiest, healthiest versions of their smiles. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine in 2013 from the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine, and today, he participates with professional organizations, including the American Dental Association, to remain current with up-to-date treatments and technology. He offers a full menu of services, including dental implant placement and restoration, to meet all your unique needs under one roof. You can request an appointment on the website or contact the office at (319) 524-1477.