4 Myths About Dental Implants

While dental implants are one of today's best replacements for missing or damaged teeth, harmful misinformation may worry prospective patients. Many patients feel wary of getting implants and hesitate before asking their dentist about the process. When you examine the facts about dental implants, you will recognize their value in protecting your oral and overall health.

Myth #1: Dental Implant Surgery is Painful

Fact: Dental implant surgery is comfortable, thanks to advances in local anesthesia. As with any oral surgery, the recovery process may involve discomfort, but this should be short-lived. Follow your dentist's post-operative instructions to minimize healing time.

Myth #2: I Won't Qualify for Dental Implants

Fact: Most patients with healthy gums and bone mass qualify for dental implants. If you lack the jawbone mass needed to place an implant safely, you can receive a bone graft from an oral surgeon. A bone graft helps the jawbone regain mass and allows implant anchor placement.

Myth #3: Dental Implants Look Fake

Fact: Unless a friend or family member knows that you have recently received a dental implant, they will unlikely be able to distinguish it from your natural teeth. Dental implant restorations are finely crafted to match your smile precisely.

Myth #4: Implants Commonly Fail

Fact: According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, a patient with healthy gums and sufficient bone mass can expect a dental implant to succeed 95 percent of the time. Dental implant failure is rare and usually preventable. If you take proper care of your implant, you will likely experience many years of wear.

Advantages of Dental Implants

Restores Chewing Ability

Patients with missing teeth often have problems eating their favorite foods. With dental implants, they can maintain a healthy, balanced diet.

Restores Appearance

A complete smile will make you feel better about your appearance. You can smile and laugh in public and will no longer shy away from photos.

Promotes A Healthy Jawbone

Missing teeth cause the jawbone to deteriorate around the socket due to a lack of natural chewing stimulation. Adding a dental implant keeps the jawbone strong and prevents the aged facial appearance that can appear with missing teeth.

Boosts Oral Health

Missing teeth damage your oral health. The empty socket can collect bacteria, plaque, and food particles, raising your chance of developing tooth decay and gum disease.

Keeps Natural Teeth from Shifting

Missing teeth also allow their neighbors to move out of place. Crooked, crowded teeth are challenging to brush and floss, raising your risk of gum disease and tooth decay. In addition, you may develop bite problems or more space between teeth.

Types of Dental Implants

Single-Tooth Dental Implant

These implants are an ideal choice for patients missing only a few teeth. The implant anchor replaces the tooth's root system, promoting jawbone health. These implants are long-lasting, easy to care for, and attractive.

Implant-Supported Bridges

An implant-supported bridge can replace up to three teeth at a time. Its advantage over standard bridges is that they do not stress the adjacent crowned teeth.

Implant-Supported Dentures

Implant-supported dentures can replace an entire arch of teeth for patients missing multiple teeth or needing a complete smile restoration. They use only 4 to 6 implant anchors per arch, making the process easier than many patients expect.

Improving Your Smile With Dental Implants

When you receive dental implants, you'll want to smile at everyone you meet. If you've spent years feeling self-conscious about your teeth, a dental implant can boost your confidence and help you achieve new personal and professional opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants

Who is a good candidate for dental implants?

• One or more missing or damaged teeth
• Healthy jawbone or ability to undergo a bone graft procedure
• Healthy enough for surgery with no medical conditions that impede healing
• Non-smoker or willing to quit
• Excellent oral hygiene

Is an implant better than a bridge?

While a dental bridge is a viable option for replacing a missing tooth, it presents a few issues. It is more complex to keep clean than an implant, and food may become trapped underneath. In addition, a bridge puts stress on the adjacent teeth.

Call Ridgeview Family Dental

An expert practice like Ridgeview Family Dental can help you realize your dreams of a complete smile. Please call our Jonesborough, TN, office at 423-753-9191 for more information or to schedule a consultation.