Dental implants have been used since 1965 when Mr Gösta Larsson in Sweden became the first patient to replace his missing teeth with implants. Despite their popularity, some myths discourage people from choosing this long-lasting and extremely effective tooth replacement treatment. Our dentists at My Dentist at Morgan Creek have almost 20 years of experience providing dental implants in South Surrey and White Rock, BC. They use advanced techniques and technology to offer the best possible dental implant treatment results. Consequently, we want to debunk common dental implant myths and explain why they’re the best solution for restoring your smile.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are prosthetic tooth roots surgically inserted into the jawbone to replace missing teeth. They are typically crafted from materials such as titanium or ceramic and are designed to provide support for dental crowns, bridges, or dentures. The primary objectives of dental implants encompass not only the restoration of dental aesthetics but also the prevention of bone loss and facial sagging.
Dental implants are also distinguished by their permanence and durability. With proper care and routine maintenance, they can endure for many years or even a lifetime. If you are a long-lasting solution to rejuvenate your smile, dental implants are a great option, especially, since our dentists at My Dentist a Morgan Creek use guided implant surgery, 3D Printing technology and Cerec® CAD/CAM technology for superior results.
Common Myths
There are numerous myths regarding dental implant procedures, often associating them with pain, high costs, short lifespans, and demanding maintenance. Our aim is to provide you with knowledge about dental implants, their advantages and their role in helping preserve your oral well-being.
Myth #1: Dental Implants are Strictly Aesthetic
A common myth about dental implants is that they are only for improving the appearance of your smile, but that is not true. Dental implants also have many functional and health benefits, such as:
Preventing Bone Loss
When you lose a tooth, the jawbone that supports it begins to shrink and deteriorate. This can affect your facial structure, bite, and oral health. Dental implants stimulate the jawbone and prevent it from resorbing.
Preserving Your Natural Teeth
Unlike traditional bridges, which require grinding down the adjacent teeth to support the false tooth, dental implants do not affect your healthy teeth. They also prevent your teeth from shifting or drifting into the gaps left by missing teeth.
Improving Chewing and Speaking Abilities
Missing teeth can make it hard to chew your food properly and pronounce certain sounds. Dentures can also slip or move in your mouth, causing discomfort and embarrassment. Dental implants are stable and secure, allowing you to eat and speak with confidence.
Myth #2: Dental Implants are Expensive
The cost of dental implants may seem high at first glance, but you have to consider the long-term value they offer. Dental implants are a one-time investment that can save you money in the long run. Unlike other tooth replacement options, such as dentures and bridges, which need to be replaced or repaired every few years, dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care. They also do not require any special cleaning or maintenance, other than brushing and flossing as usual. Furthermore, dental implants can prevent or reduce the need for other dental procedures, such as root canals, fillings, or extractions, that may result from tooth loss or damage.
Additionally, there are ways to make dental implants more affordable for you. At My Dentist at Morgan Creek, we offer flexible financing options through iFinance and work with most insurance plans to help you get the smile you deserve. We also provide free consultations and personalised treatment plans to suit your needs and budget.
Myth #3: Dental Implant Surgery is Painful
One of the most commonly held misconceptions about dental implants is that getting dental implants will be a painful and traumatic experience, but that is not the case. Dental implant surgery is a safe and minimally invasive procedure that is usually performed under local anaesthesia (numbing medication). However, at My Dentist at Morgan Creek, we are equipped and trained to safely provide conventional methods of anaesthesia as well as a variety of intravenous sedation anaesthesia options. Dental implant procedures will seem both pleasant and brief when effective local and IV anaesthesia is chosen. You will not feel any pain during the surgery, only some pressure or vibrations.
After the surgery, you may experience some soreness or swelling in your gums and jaw for a few days, but this can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and ice packs. In fact, most dental implant procedures involve less discomfort than a tooth extraction. When we see patients for follow-up visits, most of them tell us how surprised they were with how little discomfort they had! The discomfort is minimal compared to the benefits of having a beautiful and functional smile.
Myth #4: Dental Implant Surgery Can be Risky
The chance of your dental implant surgery not succeeding is extremely low. In fact, the dental implant success rate has been found to be about 98%, so they’re a safe choice if you want a permanent fix for your missing teeth.
Because dental implants have such good results, more and more people are choosing them. In 2020, around 3 million people in the U.S. chose dental implants to replace their missing teeth, according to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry.
Now, when it comes to avoiding problems like peri-implantitis (which can result in implant failure), it helps to have a skilled dental implant specialist. At My Dentist at Morgan Creek, our dentists use advanced dental implant techniques, 3D guides, and implant systems that have been researched and tested. This way, you’ve got a better chance of avoiding any issues that may cause implant failure. By adhering to proper dental care, your dental implants can last a lifetime.
Myth #5: Dental Implants are Only for Elderly People
Another common myth about dental implants is that they are only suitable for older people who have lost most or all of their teeth. However, this is not true. Dental implants can benefit anyone who has one or more missing teeth due to decay, injury, or disease. Age is not a factor as long as you have enough healthy bone to support the implant and you do not have any medical conditions that may affect healing.
In fact, dental implants can be a great option for younger people who want to avoid the problems associated with tooth loss, such as bone loss, shifting teeth, bite changes, gum disease, and reduced self-esteem. Dental implants can also preserve your youthful appearance by preventing facial sagging and wrinkles that may occur due to missing teeth.
Myth #6: Dental Implants Require Special Care and Maintenance
Some people think that dental implants are high-maintenance and require special care products or procedures when in fact they are very easy to care for and maintain. You do not need any special brushes, flosses, rinses, or denture adhesives to keep them clean and secure. You simply need to follow good oral hygiene practices like brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, using an antibacterial mouthwash, and visiting your dentist regularly for check-ups and professional cleanings to ensure that your gums and dental implants are healthy.
Dental implants are also resistant to decay and staining, unlike natural teeth or other artificial materials. They do not wear down or change colour over time, so you can enjoy your smile for years to come.
Contact My Dentist at Morgan Creek for Your Dental Implant Consultation
Dental implants are the best option for replacing missing teeth and restoring your smile. They are not only aesthetic, but also functional, durable, comfortable, and natural-looking. They can improve your oral health, quality of life, and self-confidence. Do not let the myths about dental implants stop you from getting the smile you deserve. Contact My Dentist at Morgan Creek to schedule a dental implant consultation and to find out if dental implants are right for you. We are a family dental clinic that also specializes in dental implants, and we are committed to providing you with the highest quality of care and service.
We are able to offer our patients a variety of implant dentistry services, including same-day dental implants, same-day dentures, Cerec® 1 Appointment crowns. We were the first dentists to introduce guided implant surgery in the South Surrey / White Rock area in 2004 and more recently, 3D Printing technology and Cerec® CAD/CAM technology. Don’t let missing teeth hold you back from enjoying life. Call us today at 778-742-5731 or fill out our online form to book an appointment.
