As you look for the best way to restore your missing teeth, there’s tons of information you can come across. The problem is that not all of it will be truthful. Dental implants are the gold standard for tooth restoration, but your implant dentist understands how misinformation can contribute to apprehension. Thus, he weighs in to dispel the myths and present the facts about the process. To learn more, continue reading.
Myth #1: Bridges – A Better Option?
To dispel this myth, we have to first take a look at how the dental implant works. It’s a titanium post that is screwed into your underlying jawbone and acts as a replacement for missing roots.
The bridge is a series of prosthetics made into one fixture. It is then attached to the surrounded teeth, relying on them for stability but also adding stress to them. The result is that there is little support provided for the facial structure as a whole, and there is also no tension applied at the root level.
These aspects of the dental bridge process make it inferior to dental implants.
Myth #2: Dental Implants are Painful
One of the benefits of the advances in dentistry is the ability of dentists to manage pain. Thus, before any work is done, you’ll be given local anesthesia to numb the area to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
For any discomfort that ensues during the healing process, your dentist will provide instructions on what you need to do. An example of a pain reliever he or she will recommend is ibuprofen, an over-the-counter medication that also helps to lower swelling.
Myth #3: Dental Implants Don’t Look Natural
When it comes to aesthetics, the dental implant stands alone for tooth restoration because no other procedure recreates the natural conditions of your mouth like it does. By inserting a post into the jawbone and providing the natural support that comes with the roots of your teeth, dental implants contribute to a perfect-looking smile.
Myth #4: It’s Okay to Bargain Shop
Many companies have now begun to offer dental implants at bargain prices. While it’s okay to take a chance on a less expensive broom or ink pen, when it comes to a fixture that will be inserted in your mouth and will fuse with your bone mass, you don’t want to take a chance on an inferior product.
When you visit your dentist, he or she will only use high-grade titanium for the implant, which offers two key benefits:
- Strength – You’ll be able to enjoy a lasting fixture because of the durability and strength provided by titanium. Thus, it will be able to endure the constant pressure of biting and chewing.
- Biocompatibility – Another benefit of titanium is that it’s biocompatible, which means there’s less of a chance of your body rejecting it. Thus, your natural bone will fuse with the inserted post over time to form a strong foundation.
Now that the myths have been laid to rest, you can get on with regaining the functionality and confidence that you’ve lost by restoring your teeth with dental implants. To learn more, reach out to your dentist to schedule a consultation.
About the Author
A graduate of the University of California at San Francisco School of Dentistry, Dr. Charles Walker has over 30 years of experience practicing dentistry. He is committed to helping his patients enjoy a better quality of life with dental implants, and he takes a tedious approach to every step of the process to ensure the best results. Dr. Walker can be reached for more information through his website.