4 Common Myths About Dental Implants Debunked
Dental implants give patients a secure, versatile way to restore their smile. From a single dental implant to implant-supported bridges and dentures, you have options when replacing missing teeth with dental implants.
There’s a lot of information about dental implants out there. You may have heard that a dental implant in Asheville, NC is too expensive, will be painful, or may even negatively affect the appearance of your smile. Today, we’re addressing some of the top myths about dental implants to set the record straight.
Whether you’ve read any of the following myths online or heard about them from a friend of a friend, here are four common myths about dental implants, debunked!
Myth #1: Dental Implants Are Expensive
Dental implants have gotten a reputation for being expensive. Although more insurance companies are starting to cover this procedure, for some patients, dental implants remain an out-of-pocket cost. We can help you determine if your insurance policy will cover the procedure with us at Saunders DDS!
Since dental implants involve a few steps—the placement of the actual implant, the healing process, and the dental crown, not including if you need a bone graft—the process can take several weeks to complete. However, once the implant is placed, it’s there for life.
Unlike other types of dental restorations, a dental implant will never need to be replaced. You’ll need to replace the dental crown that’s attached to the implant eventually, but other than that, the maintenance of dental implants is extremely minimal.
When you compare the minimal maintenance to the cost of having to replace other forms of tooth restorations over your lifetime, dental implants are well worth it for most patients. There are many factors to consider when evaluating the cost of dental implants. Consider that dentures and dental bridges may need to be replaced as often as every five years, and these tooth replacement options will require more maintenance over time than a dental implant.
Myth #2: There’s a Time Limit on When You Can Get Dental Implants
Although replacing a missing tooth as soon as you’re able is the best way to preserve your smile, you can still get dental implants even if it’s been quite some time since you’ve lost your natural tooth or teeth.
Dental implants require enough jawbone to support the implant for a healthy, functional smile. However, when a natural tooth is lost, the body will reabsorb some of the jawbone left in its place, which can affect your appearance over time.
Replacing a missing tooth as soon as you can will give you more options for successfully replacing your tooth. However, even if you’ve been missing a natural tooth for years, you may still qualify for a dental implant. Although jawbone density is definitely a consideration when thinking about dental implants, you have options for getting an implant even if your jawbone has been compromised.
You may be able to receive a bone graft, in which bone is taken from another area of your body and grafted onto your jaw to support the dental implant. This adds an extra step in the process and can mean an additional few weeks of healing for your implant, but for patients who qualify for a bone graft, this extra step can be well worth it.
If your missing tooth is located more in the front of your mouth, you may also qualify for what are called mini dental implants, which require less jawbone to be successfully placed. Your dentist in Asheville can help you determine your options for replacing your missing tooth or teeth with dental implants!
Myth #3: A Dental Implant Looks Fake in Your Mouth
While a dental implant does support an artificial tooth (a dental crown), they look anything but fake in your mouth. Your dental crown for your dental implant in Asheville, NC will be fabricated to match your unique smile, meaning it’ll seamlessly match the color, shape, and size of your teeth. When your dental crown, the final step in the dental implant process, is placed, you’ll have a smile that looks and feels completely natural.
If you’ve been considering a professional teeth whitening or another type of cosmetic procedure, it’s typically best to get this done before you get a dental implant. This is because the color of your dental crown can’t be changed, so getting a whitening now will help you have a more uniform smile and ensure your crown matches the color of your teeth perfectly. It can also make maintenance of your teeth whitening easier over time.
Dental implants help restore a normal appearance for your smile, but they also provide superior function, meaning you’ll be able to smile, chew, and speak without worry that your tooth replacement will shift or feel loose in your mouth.
Myth #4: There Are a Lot of Requirements to Get Dental Implants
Like any dental procedure, there are requirements to get dental implants, but they aren’t as complicated as many people think. You’ll either need to have the proper jawbone density or qualify for a bone graft and have a healthy smile—that’s it!
The best candidates for dental implants are those who don’t smoke, have smiles free of tooth decay and gum disease, and have enough jawbone to support the actual implant. Even if you’re missing several of your natural teeth, you may qualify for an implant-supported bridge or implant-supported dentures.
Your dentist in Asheville can evaluate your smile during your consultation for dental implants and talk with you about your candidacy for the procedure. Even if you have existing tooth decay or gum disease, getting these problems treated can help make you a candidate for dental implants once your smile is healthy!
Considering Dental Implants?
At Saunders DDS, we offer general dentistry in Asheville, including dental implant services for our patients. Are you considering dental implants but aren’t sure if you qualify? Find out more about dental implants with us and if you could benefit from the procedure. Request a consultation with us online, or call us at (828) 277-6060!
If you’d like to learn information about dental implants, and consider whether they’re the right option for you, please call us today at (828) 277-6060 for an appointment.