Dental implants are considered the best way to replace missing teeth because they look and work just like the real thing. While they have been steadily increasing in popularity over the past few decades, many people may be reluctant to consider them due to a few common misconceptions about them. Here are three popular myths about dental implants and the truth behind them.
Myth #1: Dental Implants Only Address Cosmetic Concerns
While dental implants are all but completely indistinguishable from natural teeth, they offer patients more than just a pretty smile. Since they are anchored directly to the jawbone, they can exert biting and chewing forces comparable to those of real teeth. While dental implants can certainly help a patient consume a wide variety of foods so they can get all the nutrition they need, they also provide the jawbone with the stimulation it needs to remain healthy and strong. This allows dental implants to prevent or reverse the process of jawbone recession that begins with the loss of a tooth.
Myth #2: Dental Implants Make You Look Old
Dental implants are so lifelike that it is unlikely that anyone will be able to tell you have them unless you tell them. While many elderly patients receive dental implants to maintain their oral health, they can be used to treat people of all ages with healthy gums and bones and can be matched to the teeth of any patient. In cases of gum disease or insufficient bone mass, periodontal treatments and bone grafts can help a patient get to a point where they can receive implants.
Myth #3: Dental Implants Are Weaker Than Real Teeth
Unlike other restorations like bridges and dentures, dental implants are anchored directly to the jawbone in a manner similar to that of real teeth. Thanks to the natural process of osseointegration, the implant will become fused with the bone structure, providing a sturdy foundation that allows it to chew food with the same force and leverage as the real thing. The implant’s artificial tooth is actually stronger than real ones and completely immune to tooth decay. However, it will still require the same oral hygiene practices as real teeth in order to prevent gum disease that can cause it to fail.
While it’s perfectly reasonable to have questions about any surgical solution, dental implants boast a whopping 95% success rate and provide patients with all the convenience and health benefits of real teeth after they heal. Consulting with your dentist can determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants.
About the Practice
Dolan Dental Group provides the finest dental care available to the community of Wethersfield, CT. Led by Dr. Brendan Dolan and Riley Gionfriddo, the team delivers world-class dentistry that exceeds expectations in a friendly and comfortable environment. Services include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry in addition to dental implant treatments. For more information on what it is like to have dental implants, contact the office online or dial (860) 529-2000.