If you’ve decided to get dental implants to replace your missing teeth, it’s likely that you’ve been spending a lot of time on the internet researching the procedure. While there are some fantastic resources online about dental implants, there’s also a lot of misinformation about them on alternative health sites, message boards, and social media. The horror stories might be enough to make you start to second guess your decision, but before you cancel your procedure, we’re here to help you separate fact from fiction. Here are some common myths about dental implants—and the truth from a team of experienced implant providers.
Myth: Getting Dental Implants Is a Long, Painful Process
We’re always honest with our patients because we want you to have realistic expectations. There are some dental implant procedures that can be done in a day, but most require multiple appointments. If you need supplemental procedures like a sinus lift or bone grafting, the entire process of getting dental implants can take up to a year. Yes, the process can be long, but it’s worth it because once it’s complete, you have a permanent replacement for your missing teeth.
As far as pain is concerned, you won’t experience any pain at all during your dental implant surgery because we use local anesthetic injections to numb the area where we’re working. Afterwards, you may have some tenderness at the surgical site, but most patients find that the recovery from dental implant surgery is much less painful than that of a tooth extraction. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help with any discomfort you experience.
Myth: Dental Implants Compromise Your Health
Titanium dental implants first started being used in the 1960s, so if there were serious long-term consequences, we would know about them by now. Dental implants have a track record of safety. While there are people who claim that dental implants cause headaches and pain, there’s no scientific research that backs this up.
You might also see stories online about dental implant failure, but it’s important to remember that 98 percent of dental implant procedures are successful. There’s always a chance of complications, just as with any other surgery, but the vast majority of patients are happy with their decision. Many of the horror stories you read online are from patients who traveled outside of the US for cheap dental implants or who shouldn’t have been candidates for the surgery because of underlying health issues. When you choose a skilled dental implant team, risks are minimal.
Myth: Dental Implants Are Overpriced
Dental implants are expensive, but they’re not overpriced—there’s simply a lot more involved in getting dental implants than in getting dentures or a bridge because dental implants are a permanent replacement for missing teeth. Consider dental implants an investment in your long-term oral health. The price you pay for implants includes multiple office visits, dental specialists, imaging, surgery, anesthesia, supplemental procedures, implant posts, abutments, and prosthetic teeth.
Myth: Dental Implants Look Fake
Just like dental veneers or dentures, dental implants can look fake, which is why it’s important to choose your provider carefully. At Sachi & Co., we design prosthetic teeth just for you, taking into consideration your facial proportions and blending your restorations in with the rest of your teeth for a realistic look. We never take a cookie cutter, one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to dental implants—you’ve entrusted us with your smile and we want you to leave our office with a renewed sense of confidence. Our dental implants look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth.
Get the Facts About Dental Implants
If you’d like to learn more about dental implants and find out if they’re right for you, contact us today at 310-530-9893 to schedule a consultation.