4 Myths About Dental Implants

Dental implants are the most advanced technology available in tooth replacement. They provide fully functioning artificial teeth to replace your natural teeth that have been lost, severely decayed, or damaged beyond repair. 

Despite their many benefits, some patients hesitate when it comes to getting dental implants, often because of the myths they have heard about them. If you need to have one or more teeth replaced, don’t let the following myths stop you from getting the highest quality restoration. 

What Are Dental Implants?

To understand the truth about dental implants it helps to understand how they work. A dental implant is a titanium post that is surgically placed in the jaw bone to replace your natural tooth root. Titanium is a biocompatible material that fuses with the bone to form a solid bond. Once the bond is established, an artificial tooth can be attached to the implant to provide a complete restoration. Two dental implants can support a dental bridge and 4-6 implants can support a full set of dentures. 

Now that you understand the mechanics of dental implants, here are some of the common myths debunked. 

Myth #1: Dental Implants Are Not Affordable

One of the biggest questions that comes up about dental implants is the cost. Dental implants are not always covered by dental insurance and they tend to cost more than dental bridges. However, dental implants can be affordable for anyone through payment plans and financing. The cost of your dental implants can be financed with little or no interest, allowing you to divide the cost into affordable monthly payments. 

Another option to consider is that sometimes medical insurance will cover the root portion of your dental implants. Contact your insurance providers for specific information about the coverage of your dental and medical plans. 

Myth #2: Dental Implants Don’t Last

While a very small percentage of dental implants fail, the procedure has an overall success rate of 95-98%. Once the process of osseointegration is complete and the implant is fully fused with the jaw bone, it can last a lifetime. The materials are resistant to decay and corrosion, making them strong and durable. This is why dental implants are a worthwhile investment in your own dental and oral health. You’re getting a lifelong restoration that may even last longer than your remaining natural teeth. 

Myth #3: Dental Implants Look Fake 

The key to a natural looking prosthetic is in the design and the materials. A dental implant is anchored in the jaw bone the same way your natural teeth are, using the same socket where a tooth used to be. This gives dental implants an authentic appearance that blends in with your other teeth. The crown attached to the implant can be made of porcelain that resembles natural tooth enamel in texture and can be made to match your existing teeth in shape, size, and color.

Myth #4: Dental Implants Take a Long Time to Get 

The process for getting dental implants can take anywhere from a single appointment to a few months. In most cases you’ll need some healing time between placement of the dental implant and attaching the prosthetic. All in all, it may take a few weeks to a few months for you to have your full dental implant restoration in place. Each step in the procedure is a brief appointment, no more than an hour or two in most cases. The time spent is well worth the investment for a fully functional replacement that lasts a lifetime. 

Where Can I Get Dental Implants?

Dentists may place dental implants on a regular basis, but periodontists specialize in this procedure. Periodontics is the dental specialty that focuses on the support structures for the teeth, including the jaw bone and gums that are most affected by the placement of dental implants. Leading Edge Specialized Dentistry provides accurate dental implant placement using guided placement technology that increases the chance of success for your restoration. 

Call 631-351-3444 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.