The Truth About Dental Implants: Correcting Three Common Misconceptions

Dental implants have empowered millions of people to enjoy complete smiles after tooth loss, but there’s a great deal of misinformation about how they work and what it is like to live with them. Thankfully, a little education can go a long way in helping someone make an informed decision about replacing their teeth. Here are three popular falsehoods about dental implants as well as the facts about these incredible prosthetic devices.

Falsehood #1: Dental Implants Are Only for Old People

Tooth loss becomes increasingly common with age, and many older adults choose to replace their missing teeth with dental implants rather than traditional restorations like bridges or dentures. While this may lead many people to assume that dental implants are only suitable for older patients, the truth is that they can effectively replace teeth in adults eighteen and older. These amazing prosthetic appliances have allowed many younger adults to restore lost teeth after severe oral injuries or infections.

Falsehood #2: Dental Implants Are Easy to Spot

When many people hear about how dental implants look and function just like real teeth, they may understandably assume that this claim is too good to be true, leading some of them to believe that dental implants are easy to distinguish from real teeth. The fact is that dental implants are designed to support high-quality dental restorations made from a durable and lifelike ceramic material such as porcelain, allowing them to look just like real teeth and chew foods that may be inedible with traditional restorations.

Falsehood #3: Dental Implants Don’t Need Oral Hygiene

Since bacteria cannot metabolize titanium and ceramic materials, dental implants are impervious to cavities. However, it’s still crucial for patients to practice excellent oral hygiene after receiving them, as oral infections can still compromise the jawbones and gum tissue supporting them. A proper daily oral hygiene regimen includes brushing twice, flossing, and using antibacterial mouthwash to clear away food debris, sugary residues, plaque, and harmful oral bacteria to prevent infections, bad breath, and unsightly dental discoloration.

Don’t let a few common misconceptions stand between you and the wealth of oral and overall health benefits dental implants offer. Consulting with your dentist can help you determine if these fantastic prosthetic devices can be a great fit for you.

About the Practice

Lincoln Park Periodontal and Dental Implant Group provides for the oral surgical needs of the Dallas community. Led by Dr. Andrew Barnett the staff delivers exceptional courtesy, effective treatments, and a friendly and calming office environment. Areas of expertise include dental implants, periodontal therapy, and surgical periodontic services. To learn more about the benefits of dental implants, contact the office online or dial (214) 691-2614.