Whether you’ve lost one tooth, several teeth, or all of them, dental implants offer a long-lasting solution that looks and feels natural. However, there’s a lot of misinformation about the procedure. Don’t let popular myths prevent you from investing in the most successful tooth replacement treatment. Here are the facts you need to replace your missing teeth with dental implants.
Fact: A Dental Implant Replaces the Entire Tooth
Traditional dental prosthetics only treat the portion of a tooth above the gum tissue. A dental implant is the only method to treat both the root and the crown. A titanium post is surgically placed into the jawbone to mimic a root. A customized restoration is connected to the post using an abutment.
Fact: Dental Implants Can Last for Decades
Dental implants have over a 95% success rate and are proven to last for decades with the correct aftercare, like brushing and flossing. The average lifespan of a dental implant is 30 years or more. You won’t have to budget for replacements every few years, like with traditional bridges and dentures.
Fact: Dental Implants Preserve Your Jawbone
You can lose up to 25% of your jaw’s density within the first year of losing a tooth because it isn’t being stimulated by the root. Your jaw will continue to deteriorate over time. Traditional dental prosthetics do nothing for bone loss.
Dental implants are the only method to preserve your jawbone. The implants stimulate new bone growth to keep your jaw strong and healthy. You won’t have to worry about your facial appearance changing from bone loss.
Fact: Dental Implants are a Cost-Effective Option
Not only will you save money by not needing replacements, but dental implants also improve your oral health. You’ll avoid many common issues caused by missing teeth, so you’ll be less likely to need expensive procedures later. Not to mention, you can’t put a price on the benefits you’ll gain with the stability of a dental implant.
Fact: You Don’t Have to Be Rich to Afford Dental Implants
Dental implants are affordable for people from all walks of life because you don’t have to come up with a lump sum. Each step of the dental implant process has separate fees, giving you more time to pay. Your dental insurance may partially cover certain aspects of your treatment plan, like your consultation or preparatory procedures. You can pay any out-of-pocket costs using a monthly payment plan through a third-party financing company, like CareCredit.
It’s never too late to invest in a permanent solution for tooth loss. You can join over 3 million people who have chosen the most revolutionary tooth replacement treatment.
About Dr. Travis Thompson
Dr. Thompson achieved his dental degree at the University of Florida and has completed a 4-year residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery at Shands Hospital. He received the Award for Oral Surgical Excellence at the UF Center for Implant Dentistry. Dr. Thompson is affiliated with several prestigious organizations, including the Florida Association of Oral Surgery. Request an appointment through his website or call (561) 287-6367 to see if dental implants are right for you.