If you are missing teeth, you’ve probably been told you need dental implants.
Multiple people have heard multiple horror stories when those two words come up, like:
- “I’ve heard dental implants are painful”
- “I’ve been told the surgery doesn’t work”
- “It’s too expensive.”
So:
We’ve created this blog to debunk some popular dental implant myths and clear up any questions or concerns you may have if you’re considering this restorative procedure.
But first:
Let’s talk a little bit about dental implants in Wilmington, NC.
What are dental implants?
Dentists in Wilmington, NC use dental implants as a modern solution to replace one or multiple teeth to regain a healthy and aesthetic smile.
Dental implants look natural by blending with your natural teeth and are hardly noticeable to other people. They bring several benefits of dental implants, including:
- Allowing you to eat, talk, and smile without a second thought
- Being reliable – you never have to worry about them falling out
- Lasting a very long time (the crown could last 10+ years)
- Easy care – similar to general oral hygiene
- Looking like natural teeth, making your smile look stunning
Now, let’s dive into the myths surrounding implants:
The top 4 dental implant myths
Myth 1: Implants surgery fails most of the time
The truth: Implant surgery has a 98% success rate.
Today’s dental technologies are so advanced that it’s made implant surgery extremely predictable.
This is because we can accurately pinpoint how to place a dental implant to fuse with your jawbone successfully.
Another reason:
Most dental implants are made of titanium, which is known for its biocompatibility feature.
The success of the implant surgery is guaranteed if:
- Your cosmetic dentist strictly follows the established procedure and uses certified materials
- You don’t have other dental problems and chronic illnesses (which will be evaluated at your consultation)
- You follow all the doctor’s dental care recommendations in the future
With proper oral hygiene, dental implants last long and offer a long-term solution for a happy and healthy smile.
Myth 2: Dental implants aren’t safe
When deciding on getting a dental implant, people often ask: “Are dental implants safe?”
The truth: They are safe.
Dental implants are made of titanium, which is harmless as they are highly resistant to corrosion.
Your doctor’s expertise and use of modern technologies also make the dental implant procedure safe.
This is because we adhere to years of training and strict protocols to ensure your treatment is safe and successful.
Of course:
Since implants do involve surgery, there are always some risk factors, but it’s very minimal.
Myth 3: Dental implants are painful
The truth: They are not.
Yes, dental implants require surgery, and if you’re nervous the procedure will be painful, let us assure you:
Dental implants are NOT painful. Before the procedure starts, you’ll get anesthesia, so you won’t feel any pain.
Do dental implants hurt after placing them?
You may experience some discomfort after the procedure, but you can easily relieve that with over-the-counter medications.
Myth 4: Dental implants are expensive
The truth: Yes, dental implants aren’t cheap. However, they’ll save you money in the long run.
As dental providers, we’ve seen patients save time and money when they decide to go with dental implants.
This is because dental implants act just like your natural tooth, so they:
- Prevent your surrounding teeth from shifting
- Give you the motivation to keep up with a regular oral hygiene routine
- Don’t require maintenance (eat, talk, and smile like you normally would)
In turn:
This prevents extensive dental work for the future – saving you less time in the dental chair and more time to enjoy your life.
Are you a candidate for dental implants?
Before starting the dental implant procedure, it’s essential you go to your main family dentist to determine if you’re a candidate for dental implants.
They’ll check if your surrounding teeth and gums are healthy and you have adequate jawbone available to fuse with the implant post.
From there, they’ll decide if you’re a proper candidate for dental implants
Looking for a Wilmington implant dentist?
At Smith Family Dentistry, we’ve proudly brightened smiles in Wilmington, NC since 1966.
If you’re missing teeth, we’re more than happy to sit with you to see if dental implants are the right solution for you.
We also provide regular exams and cleanings, smile makeovers, and more.
Contact us to schedule an appointment:
- Call us 910-762-5235
- Email us hello@claytonsmithdentistry.com
Smith Family Dentistry is located in Wilmington, NC, and happily welcomes new patients from the surrounding areas, including Carolina Beach, Wrightsville Beach, Castle Hayne, Rocky Point, Burgaw, Leland, Kure Beach, Jacksonville, Surf City, Topsail Beach, Holly Ridge, Sneads Ferry, Hampstead, Riegelwood, Bolton, Lake Waccamaw, Southport, Delco, Bolivia, Wallace, and Rose Hill, NC.