4 Myths About Dental Implants

The use of dental implants to replace missing teeth has skyrocketed in popularity over the past decade. The reason? Advanced technology has made dental implant placement more precise than ever, offering patients a myriad of benefits that other restorations for missing teeth do not provide. Yet, even though dental implants restore smiles, preserve the jawbone, maintain the facial appearance, and last longer than other dental restorations, myths about dental implants persist. Here’s a look at four common myths about dental implants. 

Dental Implants Frequently Fail

This myth is just flat-out false. In fact, dental implants are extremely successful, with recent studies showing a failure rate of just 3%. The most common reason a dental implant fails is due to poor oral hygiene. To prevent bacterial accumulation, which leads to gum disease and implant failure, patients who get dental implants must practice good oral hygiene, with twice daily brushing, daily flossing, and dental exams and cleanings every six months. 

With good oral hygiene habits and regular dental care, dental implants have the longest expected lifespan of any dental restoration, lasting at least 20 years, and often your entire lifetime.

Dental Implants are Too Expensive

Dental implants are the most expensive dental restoration for missing teeth, in terms of upfront costs. However, over the long term, dental implants can be more cost-effective than other dental restorations.

Dental implants preserve the jawbone. This reduces your risk of additional tooth loss. In addition, dental implants are expected to last much longer than dental bridges, which may need to be replaced every 7-10 years, or dentures which may have to be replaced even more frequently.  

When factoring in the costs of your overall dental health, care and future treatments, the one-time cost of dental implants can save you money in the long run by out lasting all other types of restorations.

Dental Implants Look Unnatural

Dental implants are custom-designed to fit your arch of teeth. They are precisely placed in the jaw using advanced guided dental implant placement technology. They will match your other teeth in shape, size, and color. 

Not only do dental implants look like natural teeth, but they function like natural teeth, restoring your bite force, chewing ability, speaking ability, and keeping your jawbone strong and healthy. As a bonus, dental implants cannot get cavities.  

Dentures Are Just as Good As Dental Implants

Removable dentures have been used for years and years, and while they do replace missing teeth, they do not help improve oral health. They do not help maintain the facial appearance, do not preserve jaw bone, and they may require messy adhesives. Patients may struggle to adapt to the sensation of dentures in the mouth, or experience embarrassing slippage should they become dislodged.

The exceptions are implant-supported dentures. Implant-supported dentures are available as a fixed prosthesis, using as few as four dental implants. Implant-supported removable dentures are also available, using just a few implants to snap on or off.  

Implant-supported dentures offer benefits including a stable and secure fit, jawbone preservation, and improved oral health. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Dental Implants 

Will I need a bone graft to get dental implants?

Not necessarily. If you have sufficient bone to support dental implants, you will not need a bone graft. Our dentists will evaluate the volume and height of your bone, to determine whether a graft is necessary or not. 

If I use tobacco or nicotine products can I get dental implants?

Tobacco and nicotine use severely reduce your chances of successfully getting dental implants.  The nicotine in tobacco products like cigarettes, dip, or snus and non-tobacco products like eCigarettes or nicotine pouches can lead to impaired healing and implant failure.  Quitting tobacco and other nicotine containing products is paramount when getting dental implants.

Can I finance dental implants?

Yes. We accept Cherry and CareCredit as well as other payment options to allow you to make low-interest or no-interest monthly payments to fund your dental implant treatment. At Amarillo Dental Associates we accept Cherry and CareCredit for all treatments, services, and dental needs.

Learn More about Dental Implants from Our Amarillo Dentists 

At Amarillo Dental Associates, Dr. Street and Dr. Hyde are here to answer all of your questions about dental implant restorations for missing teeth. Whether you are missing just one tooth, a few teeth, or an entire arch of teeth, dental implants and implant-supported prostheses can be the perfect solution to improve your quality of life, and restore your smile. Schedule a consultation by sending us a message, or calling 806-355-7463.