It is not unusual for adults to have a missing tooth or multiple teeth for one reason or another. Some people, in fact, are simply born without a tooth or certain teeth. Studies show that over 178 million people in the United States alone are missing at least one tooth. Dental treatments, such as dental implants, help restore teeth so that they function and look like natural teeth.
Although dental implants are quite popular and have proven to be a highly successful tooth alternative, there are still some myths regarding their effectiveness. If you or someone you know is considering dental implants, here are four myths to consider in the decision making process.
Myth #1: Getting Dental Implants is a Very Painful Process
Getting dental implants is not a painful process thanks to the local anesthesia that is used to numb the implant area, which prevents you from feeling the procedure. As the anesthesia begins to wear off, it is normal for a little minor pain to be felt.
This discomfort, along with swelling and soreness, may last a couple of days. Over-the-counter pain relievers can usually provide the relief you need.
Myth #2: Getting Dental Implants is A Multi-Year Project
The overall process for getting dental implants will take some time and it is a commitment. The reason is that for a dental implant to successfully function like a real tooth, the implant has to undergo the process of osseointegration, which fuses the implant with the jaw bone.
To achieve the most successful level of osseointegration, sufficient bone density is required for the implants to fuse and remain secure. Patients without the right amount of bone density must undergo an additional procedure known as bone grafting. This will add time to the treatment time frame, ranging from several weeks on.
On average, the timeline to get dental implants from start to finish is about five months. The good news is that once implants are in place, they are designed to last a lifetime.
Myth #3: Dental Implants Look Fake
Dental implants are the closest tooth alternative option to a real, acutual tooth. When designed by a highly skilled cosmetic dentist, such as Dr. Donald Miller of Cosmetic & Reconstructive Dentistry, you can feel confident that your artificial tooth will look like your surrounding teeth in color, size, shape, and contour. And, your smile will blend together beautifully.
Myth #4: Dental Implants Are Not Covered By Insurance
For many years, dental implants were not covered by most dental insurance carriers. This is because implants were viewed as a cosmetic procedure, rather than the standard in tooth replacement. Therefore requests for coverage would almost always be denied.
Fortunately, things are quite different today. Implants are viewed as an industry standard in tooth replacement — the best replacement. Dental insurance companies are much more likely to provide at least some of the coverage for the procedure. The exact percentage of coverage will vary between insurance companies and insurance types.
Interested in Dental Implants?
Dental implants can greatly improve your quality of life if you have one or more missing teeth. The first step in learning more about dental implants is an evaluation with a dental implant specialist. Dr. Donald Miller of Cosmetic and Reconstructive Dentistry in Fairfield, CT can evaluate the current condition of your jaw bone to determine if it is ready to support an implant. From there, we can either make an appointment for dental implant placement or discuss the alternative options for tooth replacement.
If you would like to learn more about this treatment, including whether or not you are a candidate, the team at Cosmetic & Reconstructive Dentistry can help. Contact us today at 203-255-6878. Or, book an appointment online.
Dr. Miller specializes in implant, general, family, and cosmetic dentistry and is an active member of the Fairfield, CT community. He has practiced dentistry in Fairfield for over 25 years. Get to know Dr. Miller better by visiting our website. You can also read Google Reviews submitted by patients for a personal recommendation.
Other popular services provided by the practice include TMJ treatment, Same Day Crowns,Veneers, and Teeth Whitening.