Many experts consider dental implants the ideal way to replace missing teeth because of their unique advantages. They’re the only restorations embedded directly into your jawbone, so they tend to be more resilient and long-lasting than alternatives like dental bridges and dentures.
Despite this, many patients opt for a different treatment because they’re functioning under a misconception they’ve learned about these remarkable artificial teeth. Below, we’ve debunked four common myths so you can make a well-informed decision about how to refurbish your grin. Keep reading to learn more!
Myth #1: They’ll Stand Out
Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you, and it’s only natural to want to avoid a bulky, awkward-looking restoration. Thankfully, dental implants are customized to match the size, shade, and shape of your remaining natural teeth, so no one can tell the difference. Once it’s in place, you’ll have a perfectly seamless smile you’re proud to show off.
Myth #2: They’re Purely Cosmetic
Because dental implants can boost your confidence by filling in the unsightly gaps in your grin, many people assume they’re a purely cosmetic solution. However, the truth is that they can also maintain your oral and general health.
For starters, they prevent the jawbone loss that usually occurs when teeth go missing. The titanium rod inserted into the bone acts like the root of a tooth to stimulate new cell growth every time you bite down. This keeps it from thinning and gives your teeth a firm foundation in the long run. Plus, this replacement method has very few dietary restrictions, meaning you can eat a wide variety of foods to keep your body strong.
Myth #3: They’re for the Elderly
Tooth loss is more common among adults who are 65+ years old. As a result, many people associate any kind of dental restoration, including implants, bridges, and dentures, with seniors. While it’s true that many seniors are candidates for this procedure, it’s not limited to them. These prosthetics can benefit anyone at any age if they have sufficient jawbone mass to support them. If you’re younger, it might actually take less time to heal from your surgery because your body regenerates tissues and cells more rapidly.
Myth #4: They Require Special Care
Of all the ways to restore your grin, dental implants might be the simplest to maintain. They can’t be removed, so they’re a ‘permanent’ fixture in your mouth. That means they can’t be removed to be thoroughly scrubbed twice daily like dentures and dental bridges. Instead, you’ll continue to brush and floss both morning and night to remove plaque and bacteria buildup from your teeth and along your gum line. You should also see your dentist every six months for a checkup so they can identify potential concerns early enough to treat them effectively.
Now that you know the truth about dental implants, there’s no reason to delay! The sooner you contact your dentist for a consultation, the closer you are to starting your journey to a perfectly restored smile!
About the Practice
At Premier Family Dental, patients benefit from two dentists who work together to offer a wide array of services all under one roof. Dr. Cofer and Dr. McNutt share 30+ years of combined experience helping patients with everything from basic preventative care to more complex procedures, including dental implants. They have the specialized training and state-of-the-art equipment to be by your side for every step of the process, including the surgical placement. If you’re ready to rebuild your grin, you can request an appointment on the website or call (254) 732-0309.