Dental Care

5 Myths About Dental Implants Dispelled

Some of the questions new patients ask periodontists about dental implants show that they’ve either been inadvertently misled by well-intentioned friends or family or are confused by what they’ve read on rather ambiguous online sources. The periodontist’s first job is to clarify any misconceptions and provide accurate information that these patients will need to help them make their dental implant decisions. And that information will be supported by the periodontist’s vast, hands-on experience as well as mounds of clinical-based evidence.

Here, Dr. Samuel Zfaz, a periodontist based in Boca Raton, Florida, dispels five myths about dental implants:

Dental Implant Surgery is Scary and Painful

We really take umbrage with this myth. As clinical professionals, we work hard to address all our patients’ concerns, not just physically, but mentally. We recognize that some patients are particularly fearful in a dental office situation, regardless of the purpose of the visit. Perhaps the fears are caused by a prior frightening dental experience as a child. Maybe it’s anxiety prompted by certain sights or smells. Sometimes it’s simply an inability to sit comfortably.

As board-certified periodontists, our top priorities include making sure you’re totally comfortable, relaxed, and pain-free during your dental implant procedure. Your mouth will be thoroughly numbed. If needed, additional forms of anesthesia can often be administered by skilled, fully certified professionals to ensure your experience is a phenomenal one in every respect.

A Dental Implant Can’t Be as Strong as a Natural Tooth

False! Dental implants are composed of three reliable parts. The first is a sturdy titanium implant that is surgically inserted into your jaw and takes the place of a natural tooth root. Next, a strong “abutment” is screwed into this below-the-gum implant. Finally, the replacement tooth is affixed to the abutment. It’s the tooth-looking crown folks will see when you smile.

These three elements create an incredibly strong replacement “tooth” that can serve you a lifetime. Your jawbone will fuse around the implant in a totally natural process called osseointegration. The “root” becomes very sturdy, just like a real tooth root. With proper care and maintenance, the replacement tooth will function just like a real tooth.

Dental Implants Require Lots of Special Home Maintenance

Not true again. Patients ask us what special tools they’ll need to care for their dental implant. Our answer: Once the implant heals, you should take care of it like you do the rest of your natural teeth. That means using a soft toothbrush twice a day with a non-abrasive toothpaste and flossing daily. Fixed, multiple-tooth restorations may require slightly different techniques.

Electronic water flossers also help flush away food debris. Last, but not least, you’ll need regular dental professional checkups and, if you have gum disease, periodontal cleaning, as always, to make sure your professionals can address potential red flags (like gum disease infection) that might require intervention.

People Can Tell the Dental Implant Apart from Your Other Teeth

Absolutely not. Since the actual titanium “root” part of the dental implant lies below the gum line, no metal shows. Your restorative dentist will create a functional crown that is perfectly colored and shaped to match your other teeth. No one other than your dental professionals should be able to tell the difference.

You Could Be Too Old (Or Young) For Dental Implants

We’ve treated patients of all ages and know that there’s no age limit for receiving dental implants. A reputable periodontist will always take the patient’s overall health into consideration, especially with our older patients. And, conversely, we’ll want to make sure that, in younger patients, their skeletal maturity has been fully reached and their jaw has stopped growing.

Ensuring a Seamless Experience

There’s no denying that helping you keep your natural, healthy teeth is always our first choice in patient care. But when that’s not possible, dental implants are, without a doubt, today’s best natural tooth replacement system. Find a board-certified periodontal professional who is an expert when it comes to ensuring you a comfortable and seamless dental implant procedure. The end result should be fully functional, easy-to-maintain replacement teeth— whether you’re 27 or 87!

Dr. Samuel Zfaz is a board-certified periodontist who practices with the South Florida Center for Periodontics & Implant Dentistry in Boca Raton, Florida.

Dr. Samuel Zfaz

Dr. Samuel Zfaz is a board-certified periodontist who practices with the South Florida Center for Periodontics & Implant Dentistry in Boca Raton, Florida.

Share
Published by
Dr. Samuel Zfaz

Recent Posts

How To Maintain Dental Health

Did you know that diseases of the mouth affected half of the world’s population, according… Read More

March 25, 2024

FUE Hair Transplants: A Guide to Regaining a Fuller Head of Hair

Hair loss is a common concern that affects many individuals, impacting self-confidence and overall appearance.… Read More

March 20, 2024

Where Can I Watch The Shift Movie 2023

Are you waiting for the release of The Shift movie 2023 online? If you are,… Read More

March 20, 2024

How High Can Rabbits Jump

There’s more to our fluffy, carrot-loving friends - rabbits - than meets the eye. Armed… Read More

March 18, 2024

What is Chai Latte and How to Make Chai Latte at Home

Once a hidden gem in the corners of Indian households, the Chai Latte has now… Read More

March 16, 2024

Iron and Vitamin C: A Powerful Combination

Iron is crucial for our bodies to work properly. It's in red blood cells and… Read More

March 15, 2024