Dental Implant Facts and Myths You Need to Know

If you lose one of your teeth due to disease, decay, or an accident then you may feel embarrassed. Losing a tooth can also be very painful, but replacing it with a pristine new dental implant does not need to be. In fact, thanks to newfound advances in dental technology, dental implants have quickly become the gold standard for teeth replacements, and permanent dental implants have become the norm. Here, we discuss some of the dental implant facts and myths that you need to know before your next visit to your dentist.

Why You Need to Consider Implants

By getting a dental implant surgery you will be able to restore the function, feel, and aesthetics of your lost tooth. In fact, a dental implant will replace the complete structure of the tooth that you lost, which is contrary to how dentures or bridges function.

There are also no replacements to worry about. That is, today’s implants are impeccably crafted and very durable, to the point that most will last a lifetime. As such, you can do all of the things you used to be able to do without issue, such as brush, floss, smile, and eat your favorite foods, such as filet mignon and corn on the cob.

Another benefit is that there are no unnerving dental operations to worry about. Replacing a lost tooth with an implant is also an affordable procedure, and, if you already have a healthy jaw bone in place, then your dentist should be able to finalize the implant procedure during the same visit.

The Benefits of Dental Implants

The purpose of a dental implant is to replace a natural tooth that has been lost while also emulating its appearance and functionality. Once the procedure is completed you will be able to smile, talk, laugh and chew as you did prior to losing your tooth. In fact, today’s implants are so advanced that most people will not be able to tell the difference between a dental implant and an organic tooth.

Dental implants will also usually last forever, thanks to modern-day advances in dental implant technology. However, dental implants aren’t invulnerable to harm, meaning you will still need to maintain them as you would your other natural teeth. To do so, you will need to eat a balanced diet, brush your teeth properly at least twice a day, floss at least once a day, and also use mouthwash if possible.

You should also see your dentist at least twice a year so that they can perform a thorough check-up of your teeth and your implant to ensure that everything is functioning as it should.

Dental implants are also very quick, simple, and affordable. Many dental implants can be implanted during the same dental visit if the patient already has a healthy jawbone to work with. It is also a simple process, with most patients reporting no discomfort or complications after the procedure is completed. In terms of costs, the procedure is relatively affordable. In fact, if you have insurance you can file an insurance claim in order to lower your out-of-pocket expenditures to next to nothing.

Most Common Dental Implant Myths

The most common myth is that dental implants will hurt. In reality, dental implants are minimally invasive, and patients usually do not feel anything. In fact, most patients will be sedated with nitrous and will be administered a local anesthetic so that they will be comfortable and relaxed during the entire procedure.

While a dental implant is a form of oral surgery, advances in dental techniques have made it so patients will not experience any pain or discomfort during the procedure, and most implants only take about an hour to place. Also, most patients will make a full recovery after only a few days.

Moreover, many people claim that dental implants can take several years to heal. In reality, a typical implant will only take 3 to 6 months to fully heal, and the patient will also not experience any discomfort during the entire healing process. Some people also claim that dental implants are not worth the price.

In reality, given the fact that most implants will last a lifetime, they are worth the investment. For instance, while dentures and dental bridges have a lower upfront cost when compared to dental implants, they will need to replaced after 5 and 15 years respectively.

In addition, another common myth about dental implants is that they will require specialized care in order to maintain. However, in reality, they actually require less care than a dental bridge or a denture. Simply brush and floss your implant regularly, and visit your dentist twice a year for checkups and cleanings, and your implant should last indefinitely.

Finally, people worry that their implant won’t look like their natural teeth. However, nothing could be further from the truth, as your dentist will ensure that your implant matches the shade of the crown with your other teeth.

Facts You Need to Know About Wisdom Teeth

Did you know that wisdom teeth extractions are very common and is actually considered a rite of passage in many societies? Left untreated, an infected wisdom tooth can lead to serious dental issues, such as dental abscesses, tooth decay, dry sockets, pain, swelling, bleeding, halitosis, crowding, and other oral complications.

The good news is most wisdom teeth extractions are bearable, and any pain and swelling can be reduced by taking pain medication and anti-inflammatories. In addition, most dentists recommend that patients have their wisdom teeth removed during their teenage years, as younger patients are less likely to have complications and also heal quicker than adults.

Some patients may also not be aware that their impacted wisdom teeth are growing in crooked or are causing other complications, as many wisdom teeth problems are actually asymptomatic. Pain management can also be an amusing process, as patients can take a few days off to relax while they recover, and please speak to your oral surgeon to learn how to accelerate the recovery process so that you can go back to enjoying your normal lifestyle.