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Dental implants in Houston have evolved a lot since their beginnings, and the procedures, materials, and techniques have changed. Even so, there are many misconceptions and false beliefs about this treatment that cause many people to decide against consulting their dentist. This prevents them from improving their oral health and their quality of life in general. Here are the most common misconceptions.
1. They Don’t Look or Feel Natural
The truth is, dental implants look and feel like natural teeth. Because they fuse with the bone, they are permanently in place, which contributes to a natural function and eliminates the need for removable dentures and uncomfortable adhesives. One of their other benefits is that they improve diction, allowing the patient to speak without fear of their dentures moving. They also provide excellent support and stability when chewing.
2. They Cause Rejection or Allergic Reactions
Some people fear that when they have a dental implant placed, they may have allergic reactions or that the piece may be rejected by the body. This is wrong, because the pieces are made of materials that are biocompatible with the human body.
Most implants are made of titanium or other safe materials. However, it’s true that there’s a small possibility that due to certain genetic factors or poor oral hygiene, a good osseointegration does not take place and the procedure must be repeated.
3. Any Dentist Can Place Implants
The dental professional who places the implants must be trained in implant surgery and have the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience handling hard and soft tissues (i.e., bone and gum). Sometimes more complex treatments such as bone regeneration procedures and gum grafts are necessary to achieve the optimum result with implants.
The specialist must also assess the need for prior gum treatment or simultaneous treatment with other types of treatments (prosthetic, rehabilitative, orthodontic, and occlusal) that favor the successful completion of the implant treatment. They should also know how to act in the face of risk factors that the patient may present.
4. The Placement of Dental Implants is Painful
This might be a complex treatment, but it’s not a painful one since it’s performed under local anesthesia, or assisted sedation if the complexity of the case requires it.
Recovery is usually fast if all the specialist's instructions are followed. The postoperative period isn’t particularly painful. Each case is different, so it will be the professional who will establish the optimal medication for the patient's comfort during the first days after the intervention.
5. Implants Are Only for Older People
Although it is older people who usually lose teeth and have them replaced with implants, anyone who has completed their bone growth (between 17 and 19 years of age approximately) can get this treatment to improve their smile. In young adults, the most common cause to need a dental implant is the loss of a dental piece due to trauma.
Looking for Dental Implants in Houston?
We hope we have cleared up some myths and, in case you need it, you will lose your fear when it comes to having a dental implant now or in the future. Our goal at Parker Nickolas Read Dental is to offer patients a personalized, close, and quality service, so, if you still have any doubts, do not hesitate to contact us and schedule an appointment.