If you are missing a tooth, there are different options for replacement, which include dental implants. Getting implants requires surgery, and that is one of the many reasons why patients have inhibitions about the procedure. Understanding every detail is necessary before you commit to getting implants, and unfortunately, there are numerous myths floating around. Before you schedule an appointment with your local dentist North York ON, take a look at some common misconceptions below.
- Getting dental implants is painful: While it is scary to imagine having a foreign object inside your gums, the procedure is not painful. Your dentist will use local anesthesia, and you will not feel a thing during the surgery. While it is common to experience some discomfort after the anesthesia effects wear off, pain medications can help manage those symptoms.
- The procedure is expensive: That is not entirely true. Yes, implants have higher upfront costs, but the procedure yields permanent results. Dental implants can last a lifetime, provided you adhere to the recommendations of our dentist. Compared to dentures, which must be replaced after a few years, implants become a part of your mouth.
- People with dental anxiety cannot get implants: Not everyone is an ideal candidate for dental implants, but dental anxiety is not a usual reason to avoid the procedure. If you are in good health and choose a reliable and experienced dentist, you have little to worry about. As mentioned earlier, you won’t feel pain because of local anesthesia.
- There will be diet restrictions: That myth shouldn’t scare you. In fact, compared to dentures, replacing missing teeth with dental implants doesn’t require any diet modifications. Yes, you may need to adhere to a certain kind of diet as the surgery site heals, but that doesn’t exceed the recovery period.
Reasons to consider dental implants
Implants can help restore chewing capacity and biting force, and once you have your replacement teeth, you can brush and floss normally. Losing a tooth due to injury or decay can cause a rapid decline in bone mass, which can lead to facial sagging. This is truer for patients who are missing more than a few teeth. Dental implants not only help retain the facial shape but also prevent bone loss. The gap left by a missing tooth can cause adjacent teeth to shift, which can impact biting and eating abilities. In the long run, getting a replacement tooth can be more challenging. With an implant in the missing bone socket, these concerns can be avoided.
Understanding the flip side
Compared to dental bridges and dentures, implants are more expensive, and if you don’t have insurance coverage, the money can be hard to afford. Many dental clinics have flexible packages, which are convenient for many patients. As discussed earlier, getting implants requires surgery, and it is essential to have healthy gums. Your dentist will also check your health history to decide whether you can consider the procedure. The treatment plan requires multiple appointments with your dentist, which can extend up to four to six months. In other words, getting replacement teeth may take significant time, which can be frustrating.
Discussing dental implants with your dentist
First, choose a dentist specializing in dental implants, and when you go for the appointment, keep your medical records handy. A complete checkup and additional texts are necessary, and dentists will only recommend dental implants when they are positive about the outcome. If you have questions or are worried about the risks and complications, ask all relevant questions in advance.
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