6 Myths About Dental Implants
If you're thinking about getting dental implants, you've probably heard a few myths about them. You probably read about them online while doing research. But how do you separate myths from facts? Here are six dental implant myths:
1. The cost doesn't matter.
Costs vary from practice to practice. But, a general rule of thumb is that this type of procedure is not one you should try to get bargains on. Low costs for dental implants are a red flag for poor quality and lack of experience. A highly experienced dentist may still offer you a discount, but deep discounts are something you should steer clear of.
2. People with diabetes can't get implants.
Dental implants are successful in people with diabetes. In fact, the success rate of dental implants for those with diabetes is the same as those without the condition. The patient just needs to make sure their diabetes is under control. Some patients may also need additional antibiotics or care, but this is done on an individual basis.
3. Dental implants have long recovery periods.
A typical patient recovers from dental implants in three to six months. This means that you could recover from your implants before your next dental cleaning. Some patients may take longer to heal, but this is based on their individual healing process.
4. Dental implants can cause long term problems like headaches.
Dental implants don't cause headaches in those without allergies. If you have a metal allergy, the titanium from the implants can cause headaches. As long as you are not allergic to any part of the implants, you are not likely to experience headaches. Furthermore, a rare complication from oral surgery can result in nerve damage that can cause headaches as well. But, this is not due to the implants themselves.
5. You don't have to brush or floss dental implants.
It's true that your implants can't get cavities. But you still need to care for the gums around the implants. If you don't brush and floss like you would with regular teeth, you are putting yourself at risk for gingivitis and periodontal disease.
6. Dental implants cause cancer.
Dental implants do not cause cancer. In fact, there is no established link between dental implants and cancer. In most cases of oral cancer that occur in patients with implants, other relationships were found. These include smoking, previous oral cancer incidences, and nutritional deficiencies. Your dentist will speak with you about your risk factors during your consultation.
Now that you know the myths and facts, you can make an informed decision about whether dental implants are right for you.
