It’s estimated that 69% of Americans between the ages of 35 and 44 have at least one missing tooth, and one in four over the age of 74 have lost all their natural teeth. Many people say that dental implants are the tooth replacement option that most closely resembles the look and feel of natural teeth. But before you determine whether dental implants are the right tooth replacement option for you, it’s important to understand the truth behind the many myths of the surgery. Here are just a few common misconceptions you may hear about dental implant procedures.

Dental Implants Are High-Maintenance

This myth may have arisen from the fact that many other options for tooth replacement do have some maintenance involved. But dental implants are different — they don’t require any more maintenance or care than your normal teeth. This is true whether you have partial dental implants or single-tooth implants. You can still eat and drink all the foods you used to prior to the dental implant surgery. If you’re still uncertain, just ask your dental implant surgeon.

Dental Implant Patients Have A Long Recovery Time

This is a subjective statement, but it’s just not true. The healing period is different for all dental implant patients, but it typically lasts anywhere between four and six months. However, it’s important to keep in mind that unlike other tooth replacement options, dental implants are the most durable and have an incredibly long lifespan. The only reason the extended healing time is needed for some patients is that the dental implant root needs enough time to correctly bond to the bone and provide a solid adhesion. For most patients, it’s completely worth the wait.

Dental Implants Are Painful/Uncomfortable

This is a complete myth. When placed and maintained properly, you should feel no pain at all. Some patients do report slight discomfort during and after the procedure, but it’s to a much lesser degree than other replacement options.

Ultimately, understanding the truth behind these misleading misconceptions is the key to determining whether dental implants are right for you. For more information about oral surgery procedures, contact Implant Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons of Washington.