Myths are part of our culture and can be a fun way to pass down lore about a variety of topics. The problem is that most of the time they’re simply not true. This is especially troubling when it comes to dental implants. If you’ve heard any of these five myths about this innovative dental restoration procedure, it could be holding you back from choosing a treatment that could change your life.
Here are five untrue myths about dental implants, and why when it comes to restoring your smile sometimes it’s best to not believe the hype!
Myth #1: Dental Implants Look Fake
Part of the appeal of replacing a missing tooth is that your smile is fully restored. But what happens if you replace it with a prosthetic that looks obviously fake? The good news is that this myth isn’t true. In fact, not only do dental implants look indistinguishable from your “real” teeth, but they also work just like them, too. That means they can be used to eat a wide variety of foods, they will provide proper stimulation to your jawbone, and yes, they will look just like the rest of your real teeth!
Myth #2: Dental Implants Aren’t as Strong as Natural Teeth
Not only do dental implants look just like real teeth, but they are also just as strong (if not stronger!) than your natural teeth. That’s because dental implant posts are made of durable titanium which is permanently attached to the jawbone. This means that with proper care, your prosthetic should not fall out, cannot be removed unless by a dentist or surgeon, and will allow you to chew a wide variety of foods. Even the crowns (teeth) are strong enough to stand up to the average diet.
Myth #3: Dental Implants Have a High Failure Rate
One of the risks of dental implants is that there is a small chance they can fail. Thankfully, your dentist knows the conditions that could make this more likely and will work with you to ensure that you are an excellent candidate before attempting to install yours. This may entail gum disease treatment or a bone graft to get your mouth into good shape, but on average, dental implants have a 95 percent success rate if placed in a healthy mouth and taken proper care of (brushing, flossing, correct use, follow up dental visits).
Myth #4: Dental Implants Aren’t Affordable
While it is true that dental implants carry a higher upfront cost than other methods of tooth replacement like dentures and bridges, the good news is that with dental implants, you likely will only need to pay for them once. Some dental insurance plans may offer partial coverage for this treatment, too, and your dentist may also accept flexible financing to help paying for them easier on your budget.
Myth #5: Dental Implants Need Special Care
This is simply untrue! In fact, unlike dentures which must be frequently removed to clean and must be soaked overnight each night, your dental implants never need to come out. This means you can care for them just as you would your natural teeth. Floss them daily, brush them twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste, and keep seeing your dentist for your biannual exam and cleaning appointments. In fact, as long as you care for them properly, they should last a lifetime!
Remember, myths can be fun stories to tell around the campfire, but when it comes to your oral health, it’s always best to have the facts. Don’t let these five untrue tales about dental implants prevent you from restoring your smile and enjoying the benefits of a full set of teeth again!
About Our Practice
At White Clay Dental Associates, we’ve been a staple in the Newark community for over 50 years. Dr. Bond and Dr. Ganfield are proud to treat patients ranging in age from one to 100 and beyond. Whether your child is ready for their first oral health exam, or you’ve made the decision to restore your smile with the help of dental implants, you can trust White Clay Dental Associates to help protect your smile for a lifetime!
To schedule a consultation for dental implants, please visit our website or call us today at 302-731-4225.