Many people feel self-conscious about missing teeth or problems with their mouth. Fear and uncertainty can keep you from seeking the dental care you need.
Dental implants allow you to keep a beautiful smile and eat foods that you may not be able to enjoy without healthy teeth. If you’ve been told you’re a candidate for dental implants but are still hesitant, it may be due to several common myths about the procedure and the implants. Don’t let bad information prevent you from having a healthy mouth, full quality of life, and a nice smile.
What are Dental Implants?
Myth: Dental implants are expensive
Dental implants do have a higher cost than other dental procedures due to the many components that make up an implant but are well worth the investment. If cared for properly they can last you a lifetime whereas bridges and dentures need replacing every five to ten years, meaning you spend less money on replacements.
For most patients, implants are a much better treatment alternative because they preserve the bone of the jaw, do not decay, and function just like natural teeth.
Myth: It’s cheaper to have the work done abroad
There are many adverts offering cheaper dentistry abroad even throwing in the flights and hotel costs making it a very tempting offer but there are often hidden and sometimes irreversible dangers.
By taking up these offers, you could be taking very real risks with your oral health, and potentially risking substantial discomfort. Significantly reduced prices may mean a reduction in standards too.
There are many excellent dentists abroad but regulations vary from country to country and it can be extremely difficult to ascertain whether the dentists would match the quality that you would expect in the UK.
Language barriers may also present problems, and, especially if you are a nervous dental patient, this could be quite a stressful experience given the level of expertise required to place an implant.
There are several components to a successful implant:
- The titanium screw that is surgically placed into your jaw
- The healing abutment
- The permanent crown
Some practices will give you a quote that is for the implant only and not for the full restoration. The old rule “If it’s too good to be true, it probably is” applies to dentistry too. When looking for tooth replacement options, do not fall victim to misleading marketing tactics. Do your research, ask the right questions, and know what you are getting. It’s a lifetime investment and shouldn’t be taken lightly
Here at Sunshine Dental we have an extremely experienced friendly surgeon, Rob, who only uses the highest quality titanium implants to ensure that your treatment is a success. He will give you a full breakdown of the costs with no hidden extras. We can also help you spread the costs by offering interest-free finance – subject to status.
Myth: Having dental implants placed is painful
Dental implants do require oral surgery but it is less painful than you might expect. With modern techniques it is minimally invasive. You will have a local anaesthetic and whilst you may feel slight pressure you won’t feel any pain during the procedure, however as with any surgery you may feel discomfort once the anaesthetic has worn off which can be managed with your usual pain relief. Most people have a full recovery within a few days.
Myth: Dental implants are unsafe
Dental implants have been placed for decades and for the majority of patients in good health, implants are extremely successful when performed by a suitably qualified professional. They are a well-established treatment which have been tried and tested and proven to offer many benefits. Implants are made from surgical grade titanium, just like hip replacements, which is well tolerated by the body and integrates easily with bone and tissue. With a very high general success rate, this procedure offers an excellent means of having a strong and effective replacement tooth.
Myth: I’m not a suitable candidate to have dental implants placed
Implants are suitable for a majority of people as long as you are aged over 18 and are in good health. Your jaw bone has to be fully developed to have dental implants placed which is why they are not suitable for young people. Certain health conditions such as diabetes, bone disorders and immune-compromised patients may not be suitable but this can be determined at your initial consultation.
There is no upper age limit to having implants placed and those wearing dentures can find that having implants is extremely useful in stabilising dentures. So, if you are struggling with loose or ill-fitting dentures – we can help. See our dentures services for more information, or read our helpful blog for tips and advice for denture wearers.
The state of your oral health is an important factor as there needs to be sufficient bone – if there is not, bone grafts can be performed.
Finally, your social behaviour can have an impact on the success rate of implant placement. Heavy smokers, excessive alcohol intake and gum disease increases the risk of treatment failing.
Most healthy individuals who maintain a good oral hygiene regime are suitable candidates for having implants placed – if in doubt come along for a free consultation.
Myth: Dental implants require special care
Once the implant has been placed it can be cared for just like any other tooth in your mouth. You need to brush twice a day and floss daily, we would also recommend regular six-month visits to the dentist and three-monthly visits to see Rebecca, our Hygienist.
Why have this treatment with us?
- We use the best systems on the market
- Fantastic team to support you through your journey
- Years of implant experience with a very high success rate
- You will be able to smile, eat and chew with confidence
- Interest free and low-interest finance options available
- Free – no-obligation initial consultation
For further information visit our dental implants page.
Book a FREE Consultation
We can offer free consultations and to help you with your payments, dental finance plans are available to help you to spread the cost of your treatment.
If you have any questions about implants, or would like to discuss having the procedure to replace a missing tooth, please contact us today. The whole team are here to help.
