Common Myths and Facts About Dental Implants
For years, if you suffered from tooth loss or decay, the only game in town was dentures. As dental technology has advanced, many more options have emerged, including dental implants. There are, though, many dental myths associated with implants that discourage people from utilizing them. If you are looking at dental implants at your family dentist in Houston, TX, here are a few of those myths and what reality is.
Implants Are Uncomfortable
This simply is not true. Most procedures only need local anesthesia although nitrous oxide may be used to reduce anxiety. Once the implants are in place, they look and feel like real teeth.
It’s a Long Recovery
The recovery period varies, but typically lasts from two to six months. This lets the implant root to bond to the bone and most patients feel their smile is worth the time spent recovering. Your family dentist in Houston will be able to give you an idea of their after-care treatment and average recovery rate for most patients.
Implants Are Very Expensive
Dental implants last a very long time, so the initial cost typically is offset by the longevity of the implant itself. Bridges last about 15 years before they need to be replaced. Implants last longer. As you look at options for implants and family dentistry in Houston, TX, you can rest assured that your implants will last at least as long as any other dental work you have had done.
They’re Noticeable
Dental implants look, feel and act like real teeth. In most cases, they are undetectable. Usually, unless you tell someone you have them, they will not know or notice.
Upkeep and Maintenance Are A Lot
The maintenance of dental implants is roughly the same as it is with any other tooth. You can eat the same food and you do not have to take any precautions because of your implants. You care for them like normal teeth too, meaning you have to brush and floss regularly.
Any Dentist Can Do Them
Legally, in most states, this is true. All it takes is a valid dental license to place an implant. There is, however, significant training for surgical implantation procedures that are required for a Dentist to do it correctly. The same way a trained surgeon will give a patient a greater likelihood of success, a trained dental implant clinician will give a dental patient a greater likelihood they will get the dental outcome they desire with the least amount of complications.
Insurance Does Not Cover Implants
In most cases, you can purchase dental implant insurance if your regular dental insurance does not carry it. In many cases, you can purchase implant insurance at the dental office where you will get your implants. If not there, you can purchase it online or through many insurance brokers.
Dental implants are a technological advancement that can completely change a person’s appearance, confidence and outlook on life. Too often, though, people who need dental work and could benefit from implants hesitate because of some prevalent myths. Hopefully, this list helped dispel some of the myths you may have heard, especially as you consider dental implants at your local family dentist in Houston, TX.