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Don't Buy Into These Dental Implant Myths

by Andre Daniels

If you're considering dental implants, you may be hesitant about having the procedure done due to some myths that you've heard about it. By knowing the truth, it may sway your opinion about seeing a dentist about implants for your missing teeth.

Myth: Dental Implants Are Noticeable

The idea of putting a fake tooth permanently in your mouth may raise some concerns, especially if you think the tooth is going to be noticeable to others. Having that misconception may cause you to rethink getting the procedure done because you do not want a fake tooth that looks bad.

A dental implant will actually blend in very well with your real teeth, with the crown being made out of the same materials as a typical dental crown. If you feel like your existing crowns look seamless to others, you will feel more assured knowing that the same will apply to a crown for a dental implant. If you do not tell others that the implant is there, chances are that nobody will notice the difference.

Myth: Dental Implants Will Have A Painful Recovery Process

There are two stages to how you recover from getting a dental implant. You have an initial period over 1-2 weeks where your body is physically recovering from the surgery. You'll feel sore and likely just want to rest while you get back to your old self. There is then a whole second phase where the titanium post starts to fuse together with the jawbone. This may sound like it will be painful, but it isn't.

You may need to take pain medication to deal with occasional discomfort, but the biggest concern is if the area gets an infection. If this happens, you'll need to have it treated with an antibiotic to get it to go away. It is not a normal part of the recovery process and won't feel that way while the fusion process is happening.

Myth: Dental Implants Require A Lot Of Care

Once the post has fused and the crown has been placed, you do not need to give the implant any special care. Just brush and floss normally to keep your gums and your natural teeth healthy. The biggest problem your dental implant can face is if you end up having gum disease, which will put the stability of the implant in jeopardy. Don't assume that a fake tooth doesn't need cleaning, since your overall oral health is just as important.

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