Dental implants are a breakthrough tooth replacement option that’s also relatively new. Perhaps because of this or simply because of their popularity, there’s a lot of information about them out there. Unfortunately, not all of it makes sense. If you’ve been trying to wrap your head around dental implants, you might be feeling burdened by conflicting facts and confusing jargon.
You’ve come to the right place to try and sort it all out! Keep reading for a list of dental implant myths you can confidently brush off your shoulders.
“If You’ve Lost Jawbone Mass, That’s It”
It’s true that dental implants rely on jawbone mass to be successful. This is because, like natural teeth, the implants are rooted down to your bone. Tooth loss and tooth decay can sometimes thin out your jawbone’s density, which means there’s not as much material available to support the implants and keep them in place.
However, some dentists can administer treatments that help compensate for weak jawbones. Sinus lifts and ridge augmentations and mini-dental implants name just a few ways you could still successfully receive this tooth replacement!
“Dental Implants Are Too Expensive!”
Dental implants do tend to have higher upfront costs than other tooth replacement options. But with proper care, dental implants can last longer and help prevent oral complications down the road. In the end, you’ll likely spend less money on replacements, repairs, and treatments designed to correct dental alignment or jawbone loss.
Additionally, many dentists nowadays recognize that affording treatment can be difficult. Dental insurance can blunt the cost of dental implants, and many practices work with programs like CareCredit to break payments down into smaller, monthly charges. It might be more manageable than you think.
“The Treatment is Painful”
Your dentist doesn’t want you to be overly uncomfortable during your dental implant treatment! Local anesthetics have come a long way and are often able to effectively numb treatment areas. If you’re still nervous about your upcoming appointment, your dentist may offer sedation dentistry solutions. Oral conscious sedation, for example, is a pill prescription that you’ll take before your treatment to reduce unpleasant sensations and help you feel at ease.
Since there are quite a few myths about dental implants out there, make sure you consult with your dentist before dismissing this treatment as an option! They’ll give the details to you straight and can even help you pin down exact costs and work with you to ensure your comfort. When in doubt, simply call up your friendly-neighborhood dentist.
About the Dentist
Dr. Nelson Y. Howard achieved his dental doctorate at the UCLA School of Dentistry and has been helping patients with their oral health for over 37 years. He places special emphasis on patient comfort and smile aesthetics; you can be rest assured that Dr. Howard will do everything possible to ease your nerves and provide you with beautiful dental implants. To contact his office, call 858-451-0550.