People with missing teeth often consider getting dental implants. However, the myths and misconceptions associated with dental implants hold them back to opt for this procedure. 

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a revolutionary way to replace missing teeth. These are basically small posts made of titanium, which are placed in your gums and act as the anchor of your tooth. Once the titanium anchor is adjusted properly in your gum and it’s healed, then the replacement tooth is connected to it via a connector, called an abutment. To add the finishing touch, a custom-made crown which is similar to your natural teeth, is placed on the replacement top, completing the dental implant procedure.

IMAGE SOURCE – The titanium anchor of the dental implant

Myths and Misconceptions

About as many as 3 million Americans have dental implants yearly according to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. However, there are still many who are hesitant regarding this treatment because of the rumors linked with it. Let us bust the six most common myths and misconceptions linked to dental implants.

Myth#1: Dental Implants Procedure Is Painful

The dental implants procedure is different from the usual dental bridges or dentures and is performed through surgery. Many thanks to the modern anesthesia-based surgical procedures, you can have a pain-free experience while getting yourself a dental implant. 

Because of sedation, you hardly feel any pain during the surgery, also dental implants fuse to your jawbone insertion process is also pain-free. And people who have had dental implants equate the pain experienced to be extremely less than the tooth extraction.

IMAGE SOURCE: That is how your dental implant experience is

Myth#2: Dental Implants Damage Your Gums

Probably the biggest misconception about dental implants is getting metal inserted in your gums and jaw will be dangerous. On the contrary, dental implants can actually protect your mouth by preserving adjacent teeth and bone. Since tooth loss makes adjacent teeth shift their places, a dental implant will prevent this from happening. Also, as a result of tooth loss at times your bone from that area starts to decay, which is protected by dental implants.

Myth#3: Dental Implants Are Distinguishable

People are reluctant about dental implants as they fear the metal root will be visible to others and the implant would easily be noticeable. Well, this isn’t the case, as only the crown which is fused to the metal base is visible to us. And the outer covering placed on the crown is prepared from a translucent material made of porcelain and is very natural looking. 

Myth#4: Dental Implants Are Not For Old People

According to research published by the National Library of Biotechnology, Information adolescents should avoid getting dental implants until they are 16 to 18 years old. However, there is no such limitation or restriction for the elderly as is rumored to be. So, there is no upper age limit for dental implants, as long as you meet the general health criteria you can get them at whatever age you want to.

Myth#5: Post Implant Maintenance Is Hefty

Another common misconception about dental implants is that they require an extremely cautious maintenance routine. Like any surgery, you will be required to take basic measures until your implant is completely healed or as suggested by your dentist. However, you will need to continue practicing good oral habits for your dental implant after the initial recovery phase.

According to a study by the National Library of Biotechnology Information, adequate personal hygiene, professional maintenance care, and regular visits to your dentist can prevent implant loss or failure.

Myth#6: Dental Implants Do Not Offer Longevity

Dental implants are made to last for a lifetime. The reason behind it is that the dental implants are attached to the jawbone and then eventually are bonded with the nearby bone tissue. After the implant and bone tissue have fused, it serves as a strong root for the artificial tooth, thus offering you longevity.

The implant is designed to be permanent, but the crown can require replacement due to some damages. Even the crowns can last longer than many assume, as per a study published in the National Institute of Health about 50 to 80 percent of crowns only need to be replaced after 15 to 20 years.

The Takeaway

There is always room to learn useful information and in this particular case to unlearn the myths about dental implants. Now that you are one step closer to making a decision to fix your missing tooth with dental implants, you can book an appointment with your dentist to know more about the procedure.

References:

1. Arthur Glosman, DDS. 2021. Dental Implants in Beverly Hills by Top Implant Dentist. [online] Available at: <https://arthurglosmandds.com/dental-implants-beverly-hills> [Accessed 20 September 2021].
2. Rapaport, L., 2015. Patients can spot trouble with new dental implants. [online] REUTERS. Available at: <https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-dentalimplants-patient-percept/patients-can-spot-trouble-with-new-dental-implants-idUSKCN0PJ2GQ20150709> [Accessed 20 September 2021].
3. The Healthcare Guys. 2021. A Look At The Emerging Dentistry Trends | The Healthcare Guys. [online] Available at: <https://legacy.healthcareguys.com/2021/09/05/a-look-at-the-emerging-dentistry-trends/> [Accessed 20 September 2021].
4. Podar, R., Vijayakar, H., Shah, R., Mitra, D., Rodrigues, S. and Pathare, P., 2013. Implants in adolescents. Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology, [online] 17(4), p.546. Available at: <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3800426/> [Accessed 20 September 2021].
5. Gulati, M., Govila, V., Anand, V. and Anand, B., 2014. Implant Maintenance: A Clinical Update. International Scholarly Research Notices, [online] 2014, pp.1-8. Available at: <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4897104/> [Accessed 20 September 2021].
6. JD, B. and DA, S., 2009. Summary review of the survival of single crowns. 57, [online] 1, pp.74-81. Available at: <https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19146146/> [Accessed 21 September 2021].