3 Common Misconceptions About Dental Implants

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Get the Facts Straighter Than Your New Pearly Whites

If you’ve been considering full mouth dental implants to replace missing, broken, or damaged teeth, this guide is for you.

Each year more than 5 million dental implant procedures are carried about by dentists all across the United States. Yet despite the popularity (and prevalence) of the procedure, many ‘would be’ patients have a lot of questions and misconceptions about dental implants.

In this guide we help you sort through fact and fiction, breaking down what’s real vs. what is nothing more than a myth.

Don’t let misconceptions about dental implants hold you back from getting the smile you’ve always wanted. Read on to learn more about whether or not full mouth dental implants are right for you.

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Misconception #1 — Dental Implants Are too OBVIOUS

We get it. You want to look and feel your best, but you don’t necessarily want it to be blatantly obvious that you’ve had ‘work done’. Unfortunately, dental health is often stigmatized in the public, with a misconception that poor tooth health is an indication of poor hygiene.

This simply isn’t the case. A multitude of factors (many of which are out of your control) can lead to tooth loss or decay, no matter how well you take care of your pearly whites. Genetics, natural aging, lifestyle habits, diet, certain medications, accidents and injury and more can all play a role.

This leads us to myth numero uno…will others KNOW that you got implants? Those intimately familiar with your day-to-day smile will certainly notice the difference. But that doesn’t mean they won’t look natural.

Dental implant technology has come a long way, with your implants custom-tailored with incredible precision-guided by computer imagery to ensure that the fit, form, shape, spacing, and even shade of white looks both immaculate and natural.

Of course, if you’d like a Hollywood smile so bright it blinds those you smile at, this is doable too, but that aside, you’ll never have to worry about people you meet knowing that you’ve had implants.

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Misconception #2 — Too Expensive! No way I can afford them

Having a bit of ‘sticker shock’ at the price of dental implants is a common response. You’re certainly not alone. We need to cover two things here: the value vs the price, and your options for affording them.

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Cost vs Benefits

Apart from the ‘tangibles’ on your wallet, there are intangible benefits to consider, some of which are worth their weight in gold. Beautiful dental implants could lead to...

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• Enhanced comfort and support
• A youthful, aesthetic look that will turn heads
• A bright, vibrant and healthy smile
• Improved oral health and overall wellness
• Easier to eat all of your favorite foods again
• Improved self-esteem and self-confidence
• Better first impressions in work and social life
• Convenient and low-maintenance
• Retention of bone and facial structure (unlike with dentures)

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But Can you Actually Afford them, and is it Worth It?

As far as being worth it, the long-term savings from dental implants often outweigh the costs associated with other dental treatments and procedures you’d need to have over the years.

Because implants offer a permanent solution that lasts for decades, you won’t need to replace veneers or bridges, mess with uncomfortable dentures, or deal with cavities and fillings. Over time these and other dental services really add up, making implants look like a more attractive option financially and otherwise.

As for affordability, we know that not everyone has a rich uncle or unlimited funds. Fact is there will most likely be a substantial ‘out of pocket’ cost to contend with. At Nuvia Dental Implant Center, we specialize in offering phenomenal service, spectacular dental implant techniques, and incredible results that are both accessible and affordable. In addition to a free online evaluation, you may qualify for financing to help you get the smile of your dreams without putting a major strain on your finances.

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Misconception #3 — The Procedure will Be Painful

*More than 1/3rd of Americans have some degree of dental anxiety, the majority of which stems from fear of pain when in the dentist chair.

Although pain is subjective, at Nuvia Dental Implant Center we take every precaution and level of care to ensure our patients are comfortable, relaxed and as comfortable as possible, no matter the procedure.

Through the use of anesthetics, local anesthesia and/or nitrous oxide and sedation dentistry, we make sure every step of the dental implant process and procedure has as little pain or discomfort as possible.

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That said, post-procedure it is not uncommon for patients to experience mild pain, minor soreness and slight swelling and redness. These post-surgical symptoms can, for the vast majority of our patients, easily be mediated with over-the-counter pain killers, and if necessary, prescription medicine. Most patients note a significant improvement in comfort within the first few weeks.

If you have concerns about pain management related to dental implant surgery, reach out to us today to discuss your options. Our caring and compassionate team of leading implant professionals can help.

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Bonus Misconceptions

Elderly / Seniors Are Not Good Candidates – Although some health conditions may make someone a bad fit for implants, there is no age limit and seniors can often greatly benefit from having the procedure without cause for concern.

Dental Implants Are Temporary – Just the opposite is true. Dental implants are the only (currently) available permanent solution to restore your upper, lower or full set of pearly whites. While dental bridges and veneers may only last around 10 years, properly cared for and maintained dental implants can last a lifetime.

Dental Implants Require a Lot of Maintenance – Unlike dentures, requiring soaking solutions, routine cleaning, and glue removers, dental implants require no more maintenance than that required of your natural pearly whites. Brush and floss twice daily and/or after food and drinks and you’re good to go.

Dental Implants Don’t Have a Great Success Rate – Quite the contrary. According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, over 95% of dental implants are successful.

Dental Implants Are Uncomfortable – If you have missing teeth, having dental implants can make you feel like a brand new person. Although it might take a day or two to get used to having a full set of teeth again, dental implants are among the most comfortable solutions available. Each set is uniquely custom-tailored to perfectly fit your mouth, jaw structure and facial features.

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Don’t Let Unsubstantiated Misconceptions Keep you From Getting the Smile you Deserve!

At Nuvia Dental Implant Center we believe that everyone deserves to smile with confidence. If you have concerns or questions about full mouth dental implants and need answers, reach out to our team today.

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*Sources:

Beaton, L., Freeman, R., & Humphris, G. (2014). Why are people afraid of the dentist? Observations and explanations. Medical principles and practice : international journal of the Kuwait University, Health Science Centre, 23(4), 295–301. https://doi.org/10.1159/000357223

Agari, K., & Le, B. (2020). Successive Reimplantation of Dental Implants Into Sites of Previous Failure. Journal of oral and maxillofacial surgery : official journal of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, 78(3), 375–385. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joms.2019.10.001