Dental implant treatment is a popular option for patients with missing teeth. A dental implant consists of a strong titanium rod that replaces the root of a natural tooth. A natural-looking crown covers the rod, restoring a patient’s smile.
A dental implant doesn’t just benefit a patient’s appearance. Because a dental implant mimics both the look and the function of a natural tooth, it can also improve a patient’s ability to chew and speak clearly.
Additionally, if a tooth is missing for a long period of time, the nearby oral tissues that would normally support it can begin to deteriorate. The presence of a dental implant may guard against this.
These are just a few reasons your dentist may recommend this treatment option to replace your missing teeth. However, perhaps you’re still hesitant to move forward with treatment.
Maybe this is the case if you’ve fallen prey to any common misconceptions regarding dental implants. Dental implant myths to be aware of include the following:
Dental Implant Myth 1: Dental Implant Treatment is Painful
Many assume the overall dental implant treatment process involves a significant degree of pain. This isn’t necessarily the case.
Researchers with the Department of Surgical Studies at Kuwait University conducted a study measuring the pain or discomfort patients experienced at various times throughout the process of receiving dental implants. The researchers found that the majority of patients who participated in the study felt only mild pain during treatment, and often felt no significant pain or discomfort at all.
Feel free to discuss this concern with your doctor if you’re reluctant to get dental implants due to an understandable fear of pain. They may explain how various pain management strategies can guard against any major discomfort.
Dental Implant Myth 2: Dental Implant Treatment is Costly
As a responsible individual, you may account for such practical factors as your budget when making decisions about dental and oral health treatment. Maybe you’re not sure dental implants are right for you because you’ve heard they’re expensive.
Dental implant treatment may cost more than other options at first. That said, it’s important to understand that dental implants stay in good condition for a long time when a patient cares for them. According to the American Dental Association, dental implants may last for 15 years or more.
Consider the lifespan of dental implants when thinking about the cost of treatment. While implants may initially seem expensive, the fact that you don’t need to frequently replace them could potentially result in implants being more affordable than other options in the long run.
Dental Implant Myth 3: Dental Implant Treatment Takes a Long Time
This is another myth about dental implants that may result from people not taking the long view in regard to dental implant treatment.
It is true that the overall process of receiving dental implants can take several months (and may even last up to a year). Because an implant needs to heal and fuse with the jawbone, it’s normal for dental implant treatment to take longer than other treatment options. However, when you compare how much time the treatment process involves to how long a dental implant lasts, you may realize the process genuinely isn’t as lengthy as it might seem.
Dental Implant Myth 4: Dental Implants Feel Unnatural
A dental implant is not a natural tooth. Nevertheless, in many ways, it can pass for one.
Dental implants look so convincing that virtually no one will be able to distinguish an implant from your real teeth. As an implant fuses to your jawbone, it will begin to feel entirely natural as well.
Contact your dentist if this doesn’t happen over time. They may be able to identify (and correct) any issues preventing your implant from feeling as real as it looks.
Learn More About Dental Implants in New Jersey
At New Jersey Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates, with offices in North Bergen, Ridgefield, and Hackensack, we’d be glad to answer any of your questions about dental implants, helping to determine if this is the ideal treatment option for your needs. Learn more by calling or emailing us today to schedule an appointment.