Some tooth replacement and dental health procedures have attached myths. These myths are never true!
For example, dental treatments and procedures are not painful. Modern dentistry relies on powerful anesthesia and innovative technology to ensure straightforward, painless dental care.
I ensure patients are relaxed and comfortable in my Downey, CA, dental office before starting treatment. I also ensure the treatment site is thoroughly numb before moving forward.
Let’s explore the pain myths surrounding dental implants and other untruths about this innovative tooth replacement option.
6 Myths about Dental Implants
#1 A Painful Procedure
As written, I use powerful local anesthesia when placing your dental implants in Downey, CA. You may feel movement inside the mouth, but you will not feel pain. Additionally, capping dental implants with tooth crowns or a prosthetic does not cause discomfort. Placing the restoration is noninvasive and straightforward!
#2 A Painful Recovery
After dental implant placement, you may experience mild soreness or discomfort for a few days, but this is temporary. You can usually relieve symptoms with an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen. Most patients compare dental implant surgery to less invasive treatment recoveries like cavity care or root canal therapy.
#3 A Painful Implant
Some people believe the dental implant will cause soreness around the gum or feel bulky or uncomfortable in the mouth. This is not the case! After a short adjustment period, you may forget which tooth is an implant!
#4 A Failing Procedure
It’s not true that dental implants often fail. In fact, they enjoy a success rate of more than 95 percent. The defining factor is care and upkeep. You must continue brushing, flossing, and visiting my dental office for exams. With proper care, your dental implants can last for life.
#5 An Unhealthy Choice
Dental implants are the healthiest tooth replacement option because they have unique oral health benefits. For example, they guard against jawbone loss and prevent tooth migration. These issues can lead to further tooth loss and a prematurely aged appearance in profile.
#6 A Costly Choice
Dental implants typically have a higher upfront cost, but for several reasons, this dollar amount may be comparable to other tooth replacement options.
For example, you don’t have to change your dental implants every few years as you must with other options. You’ll never have to visit the dentist for relines or purchase adhesives in the drugstore, and you don’t have to buy special tools to keep your dental implants viable. Additionally, dental implants guard against the costly dental health issues associated with migrating teeth and jawbone deterioration—and they are the only option to do so.
I accept financing through CareCredit to help make your treatment affordable. Some CareCredit programs offer interest-free financing. A member of my helpful staff can help you apply for this medical/dental credit card.
The Dental Implant Process
I provide treatment in a series of steps to achieve dental implant success. These stages are necessary for anyone who wants dental implants.
Your Initial Consultation
We have a consultation where I determine your candidacy for dental implants, including whether you’ll need pretreatments—bone grafting, extractions, etc. This visit typically includes x-rays. I also set aside time to answer your questions and tell you what to expect from your dental implants. We’ll also answer your questions and determine the final costs.
Pretreatments and Planning
Pretreatment planning is an integral part of dental implant treatment. This portion includes impressions, choosing the crown or prosthetic color, and determining the precise location for your implant posts. I also address necessary pretreatments at this phase.
Dental Implant Surgery Day
On surgery day, I ensure you’re comfortable and that the treatment area is fully anesthetized. Then, I carefully implant your dental implant posts. These are tooth root replacements that resemble a tiny screw. Relying on image-guided technology and careful planning, I ensure your posts are implanted correctly for the best results.
Your Dental Implant Recovery Period
After the post placement, these new roots take a few months to integrate into the jawbone. This is not painful! You’ll not feel the posts integrating, but by allowing this step, I establish a durable foundation for your replacement root or prosthetic.
Restoration or Prosthetic Placement
After integration, I place your dental implant tooth (dental crown) or a prosthetic like an implant-supported bridge or denture. Implant-supported prosthetics require up to six dental implants per arch to secure your new smile. This is typically far less expensive than a dental implant post for each lost tooth, especially if you have complete tooth loss.
After Dental Implants
After I place your crown or prosthetic, you can enjoy your new smile. You can diversify your diet and bring back the crunchy veggies! You’ll also not have to worry about maintenance and upkeep. Dental implants are the most accessible tooth replacement options to care for.
4 Tips for Dental Implant Success
#1 Brush and Floss
Brush your teeth at least twice daily and floss at least once. These steps are necessary even if you don’t have dental implants.
#2 Visit My Dental Office
Please continue visiting my dental office every six months for checkups and teeth cleanings. Even with full-mouth prosthetics, I must care for your gum health to avoid gum disease and implant failure. Studies now associate gum disease with significant health and wellness issues involving the heart and lungs. It has also been linked to Alzheimer’s disease and Rheumatoid arthritis.
#3 Report Oral Changes
If you notice tooth sensitivity, inflamed gums, or other oral health issues, it’s crucial to report these problems to my office as soon as possible.
#4 Never Use Your Implants as Tools
Never use your teeth or implants to rip open packages or twist off bottle caps. Teeth and implants were designed for eating and smiling!
Are You Considering Dental Implants?
Dental implants are not painful! If you’re considering tooth replacement, including dental implants, and would like to learn more, contact one of my dental team members today. They are also standing by to take your call if you’re ready to book a dental implant consultation.
I am a dental implant dentist in Downey, CA, who works with third-party financing through CareCredit.
