If you are considering dental implants to restore your smile and confidence, then you’re making an excellent choice. Implants are the closest a person can get to having their natural teeth back and are the preferred option for tooth replacement by most dentists. However, we’re well aware of the myths surrounding dental implants, which is why we’re taking this opportunity to set the record straight. By debunking the myths and providing valuable facts, we hope you can use this information to help you pick the right solution for restoring your oral health, smile function and beauty.
So, without further ado, let’s jump in and take a closer look.
The truth about dental implants – 10 common myths to cast aside
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Dental implants are just for cosmetic purposes
While it’s true that dental implants can improve the smile’s aesthetics if they’re replacing badly decayed, damaged, or missing teeth, there’s far more to them than meets the eye.
Firstly, it helps to understand the structure of a natural tooth. All teeth have roots that are hidden out of view beneath the gums. These keep the teeth firmly anchored in place and transfer the chewing pressure. The act of chewing keeps the jawbone dense and healthy.
Alongside the cosmetic concerns of a missing tooth affecting the smile’s appearance, the other undesirable side effect is bone loss.
Tooth loss reduces the stimulation level the jawbone receives, causing the bone to shrink and reabsorb back into the body. As this happens, the facial structures sag, giving the face a sunken or hollow look.
Dental implants are the only method of tooth replacement that replicate the entire tooth structure, including the roots. As a result, a dental implant halts bone loss, preserves the facial structure, improves oral health, and restores the smile’s beauty.
A smile looks fake with a dental implant
The truth about dental implants is they are remarkably lifelike. Exquisitely created from porcelain colour-matched to the surrounding teeth, they fit seamlessly into the smile. A dental implant can last a decade or longer with good oral health.
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Implants are only for the elderly
Tooth loss is more common in older people, but that doesn’t mean you’re immune from missing teeth when you’re younger. According to the AIHW (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare), adults aged between 35 and 54 were missing, on average, 3.6 teeth, 55-74-year-olds were missing 8.8 teeth, and those over 75 years of age were missing 13.2 teeth. While dental implants aren’t a suitable option for children with developing jaws, they offer a long-lasting permanent tooth replacement solution for adults of any age.
Implants are just for people missing all their teeth
The great thing about dental implants is their versatility. Your dentist can replace a single missing tooth with a custom crown, while multiple missing teeth or an entire arch of missing teeth can be replaced by your dentist with a few implants supporting a bridge or overdenture.
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Implants have a low success rate
Over the years, implants have improved thanks to modern technologies and biocompatible materials. The dental implant success rate is now between 95% and 98% when placed by experienced practitioners.
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A dental implant isn’t as strong as a natural tooth
A dental implant integrates with the jaw in a natural process known as osseointegration to closely mirror a natural tooth’s look, strength, and function. To date, they are the strongest form of tooth replacement.
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Dental implant surgery is invasive and painful
If you want the truth about dental implants and whether surgery hurts, the answer is a resounding no. Most planning occurs in the background before the surgery, making it a safer, faster, and more comfortable experience for patients. Typically, dental implant surgery is performed in the dentist’s chair and utilises local anaesthesia and sedation when required. Depending on the method and type of implants used, a single implant can be placed in less than one hour. However, once the numbness has worn off, patients may experience swelling and a little discomfort. Usually, this can be managed with over the counter painkillers such as Ibuprofen and usually subsides in a few days.
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Implants require special care
The beauty of implants is that they are cared for in the same way as for natural teeth by maintaining good oral health with daily brushing and flossing combined with regular dental check-ups ad professional cleans. While occasional prosthetic replacement may be necessary, titanium implants can last for decades.
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Dental implants are not affordable
Dentists don’t want patients to miss out on the dental care they need or want.
For this reason, most dental clinics offer dental plans and % financing, enabling patients to spread the cost of their treatment.
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A dental implant isn’t worth it
Missing one or several teeth affects a person’s ability to smile, eat, and speak and makes them feel embarrassed in social situations. Dental implants are an asset to psychological, physical, and social wellbeing and can significantly improve the quality of life.
Are you missing a tooth or teeth?
So now you know the truth about dental implants, are you ready to commit? Our experienced, friendly team have successfully placed hundreds of implants using modern techniques and top name brands. We welcome the opportunity of discussing your best tooth replacement solutions to restore your smile and confidence. Why not schedule a consultation with a No Gaps dental clinic near you or calls us on (02) 8806 0227 today.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare – Oral Health and Dental Care in Australia
https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/den/231/oral-health-and-dental-care-in-australia/contents/healthy-mouths
NCBI – Comparison of Long-term Survival of Implants and Endodontically Treated Teeth
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3872851/
NCBI Resources – Comparing the Quality of Life of Patients Requesting Dental Implants Before and After Implant
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5646019/