Debunking Common Myths About Dental Implants

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Dental implants are quickly becoming one of the most popular ways to replace missing teeth. As with any other dental procedures, there are several myths surrounding dental implants. These myths may prevent you from getting the care you need for a great smile and good overall health.  

Fortunately, we’re here to set the record straight! Below are a few common myths about dental implants in Bonita Beach and the truth behind the powerful restorative solution to permanent tooth replacement.  

Myth 1: Getting a dental implant is complicated

While there is some time involved with the dental implant process, it is a fairly straightforward procedure. During your initial consultation, you and our dentist will determine if dental implants are right for you, and what your individual treatment plan will look like.

At the next appointment, you’ll receive your dental implants, which are metal posts surgically placed into your jawbone; your dentist will then place a temporary crown on the implant. Over time, your jawbone fuses with this metal post to create a sturdy anchor. This process, known as osseointegration, can take several months to complete. During this time you can eat and drink normally while taking proper care of your temporary crown.

Once osseointegration is complete, a permanent crown replaces the temporary one, leaving you with a beautifully restored smile for years to come.  

Myth 2: Getting a dental implant is painful

You’ll be happy to learn that, with the use of sedation dentistry, getting dental implants is often pain-free and comfortable for patients.  

Types of dental sedation include:

• Topical anesthesia to numb the treatment area
• Nitrous oxide, also known as “laughing gas,” helps you relax; you’ll stay awake during the procedure
• Intravenous (IV) sedation, which delivers the anesthesia through a needle
• Oral sedation – delivers anesthesia through a pill or liquid

After the procedure, over-the-counter medications are usually enough to reduce any discomfort you may experience during healing. This means you can take acetaminophen or ibuprofen in the days following your dental implant procedure. It’s important to note that if you’re experiencing persistent pain, however, lasting more than a few days and not subsiding at any point without medication, you should contact your dentist immediately for further analysis.  

Myth 3: I can’t afford dental implants

While it’s true that dental implants cost more than dentures or dental bridges, it’s important to understand that dental implants are built to last much longer than other tooth replacement options, ensuring a more significant long-term value.  

There are a variety of considerations when it comes to the price of dental implants including extraction of existing teeth, sedation techniques, and overall oral health. Generally, at Bonita Beach Dental, a single implant, abutment, and crown can cost anywhere from $3,000-$6,000.  

If you’re struggling with dentures, suffer from missing or damaged teeth, this investment for lifelong smile restoration is proven to make a lasting impact.

Myth 4: Insurance doesn’t cover dental implants

For many years, insurance companies considered dental implant procedures to be cosmetic, and therefore elective. Much of the understanding about how dental implants benefit jaw and oral health has changed, however, and many private insurance carriers cover part of the cost of dental implants. This is especially true if the dental implant or implants are necessary to maintain or restore the health of your teeth and gums.  

Myth 5: Implants are a hassle to care for

Many dental appliances and restorations such as dentures and dental bridges require special care to maintain longevity. This means you might be forced to avoid certain foods or take your dentures out repeatedly for cleaning. Dental implants, on the other hand, are designed to not just look like your natural teeth but to function like them too. Simply brush and floss as usual, and visit your dentist regularly for thorough cleanings and exams to maximize the lifespan of your dental implant.

Myth 6: Dental implants are purely cosmetic

While dental implants look great and can help to restore your natural, beautiful smile, they are more than just a cosmetic fix – dental implants actually help strengthen and reinforce your mouth and jaw over time.

This is because a dental implant actually replaces your old tooth’s root, which is what helps makes them so durable. By using the implant to its full function (biting and chewing food), the natural pressure against your tooth travels to the root and jawbone, where it stimulates the growth of new bone tissue. When you lose a tooth, you also lose the pressure that stimulates bone growth. As the result, you lose bone tissue; loss of bone tissue may allow nearby teeth to become lose or fall out, and it can even change the shape of your face.

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To learn more about dental implants, and to debunk any common myths surrounding them, consult with the experienced team at Bonita Beach Dental. Our dentist in Bonita Beach is always glad to provide accurate and understandable patient education about dental implants and many other dental services.

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