Misconceptions Surrounding Dental Implants

The surgical procedure for dental implants has been around for more than 50 years. Many people who have missing teeth are very excited and pleased with the thought of getting implants while others are less sure and are not ready to go that route with their teeth just yet. There are many misconceptions about dental implants that can make people nervous and uncertain. Once the veil is taken off this cosmetic dental procedure it is easier to see what they are all about. Once you have the correct information then you will be able to make a decision regarding your teeth that is right for you. One common misconception is that the surgery for dental implants is not just uncomfortable but is downright painful. The implant you receive needs to be installed into the tissue of the bone found in your mouth. It is done under local anesthesia unless the patient specifically asks to have general anesthesia. In most cases local anesthesia involves only one injection. After that the patient will feel no discomfort at all because the area will be frozen. Following the surgical procedure there may be some soreness in the area. It is recommended that you only eat soft foods and drink beverages for the first few days following the operation because chewing can be a little inconvenient as the healing process gets underway. However if you follow your dentist's instructions implicitly then your recuperation period will go smoothly and will not give rise to any pain at all. Another misconception about dental implants is that the surgery takes place over a long duration of time- such as hours! Implant surgery is not open heart surgery and does not take hours to complete. Depending on the skill and experience of the dental practitioner, it should take no more than 20 to 30 minutes at a time. While the procedure does not take long you do need to give your mouth time to get use to the new addition. Temporary crowns will be placed on the implant to begin with and then after roughly six month's time the dental provider will then be able to install the permanent crowns. The good news is that once they are in place and have healed properly, dental implants are yours for life! Are you unhappy with your smile because you are missing some teeth and would like to get implants but your bank account holds you back? Many people believe that implants are far too costly for them. While it is true that implants are not the cheapest form of dental work, many dentists offer payment plans that make them affordable for most people's budgets. Bear in mind too that the financial investment you make in your teeth can last you for many years to come if you care for them properly. Many dental prostheses last a maximum of 10 years but with implants the sky really is the limit.