Misconceptions about dental implants

Dental implant surgery is a procedure that replaces tooth roots with metal, screw-like posts, replacing damaged or missing teeth with artificial teeth that look and function very much like real teeth. Many people turn to other methods of tooth replacement because of misconceptions about dental implants, which can be painful or impossible to perform.

Dental implant surgery can be a good alternative to dentures or bridges that don’t fit together well and can offer an option when the lack of natural tooth roots prevents dentures or bridges from replacing them.

How dental implant surgery is performed depends on the type of implant and the condition of your jawbone. Dental implant surgery may involve several procedures. The main advantage of implants is that they provide solid support for your new teeth – a process that requires the growth of strong bone around the implant. Since this bone repair takes time, the process can take months.

Myth #1: Dental Implants Are Not Safe

While implants technically date back many years, modern implants became mainstream about 50 years ago. From a surgical standpoint as well as a materials standpoint, dental implants today are surprisingly safe. We know that when an implant is placed, bone likes to grow around it.

This means that implants integrate well, resulting in an incredibly high success rate. Implants can address many dental issues, making them a very practical solution. Most importantly, dental implants give you a better quality of life by giving you the freedom to smile, eat, and use your mouth normally.

Myth #2: Dental Implants Are Painful

Many patients fear that dental implant placement will hurt. While there is some discomfort after surgery, most patients experience very little pain. Implant dentists in Ottawa make sure our patients are comfortable with a range of options to prevent and reduce pain.

Additionally, while implant specialists will prescribe a sedative to help with post-operative pain, most patients will only need over-the-counter pain relievers for a day or so. If patients require sedation due to the severity of the pain and discomfort, we will provide it. So the reality is that most patients do not experience much pain at all from dental implant procedures.

Myth #3: You will be toothless for a while after dental implant surgery

This myth is patently false. Once the titanium root is placed, a temporary tooth or dentures will be placed in your mouth. These temporary teeth look like natural teeth and will allow you to eat more soft foods during the weeks it takes for your implant to settle in.

You will have some restrictions on eating hard foods for a while during your recovery period, but that is the only restriction. Even with a full arch or implant crown solution, you will have temporary teeth immediately. So you don’t have to worry about your appearance or diet.

Myth #4: Dental implants are expensive

Although dental implants often have a higher initial cost, some studies show that over time, they often cost less than conventional tooth replacement options. For example, you may need to replace a bridge every 10 to 15 years, which will cost more in the long run than dental implants.

Ultimately, it’s a question of what each patient values ​​most: appearance, function, long-term health, or cost. It’s important to remember that several financing options for dental implants may help to further control the initial cost.

The best advice we can give is to not guess and, since each case is unique, you should consult with a dental implant specialist and find out specifically what you need, how much it will cost, and what financing options are available so you can make an informed choice.

Why are dental implants recommended for tooth replacement?

Dental implants are surgically placed in your jawbone, where they act as the roots for missing teeth. Because the titanium in the implants fuses with your jawbone, the implants don’t slip, make noise, or damage the bone. And the material, like your own teeth, that supports conventional bridges, can’t decay.

In general, dental implants may be right for you if you:

• Have one or more missing teeth
• Your jawbone is fully developed
• Have enough bone to support the implants or can receive a bone graft
• Have healthy oral tissues
• Have no health conditions that would affect bone healing
• Cannot or is unwilling to wear dentures
• Want to improve your speech
• Are willing to commit to the procedure for several months
• Don’t smoke tobacco

Potential risks of dental implants

Like any surgery, dental implant surgery carries some health risks. However, complications are rare, and when they do occur, they are usually minor and easily treatable. Risks include:

Infection at the implant site

Injury or damage to surrounding structures, such as other teeth or blood vessels, can cause pain, numbness, or tingling in your natural teeth, gums, lips, or chin.

Sinus problems, when dental implants placed in the upper jaw protrude into one of your sinus cavities.

However, all of these are rare and possible, and in many cases, patients do not experience any of these issues and do not have any problems with their implants.