Refuting Common Myths About Dental Implants

For patients that have been unfortunate enough to have suffered the loss of one or more of their teeth, it can be easy to be embarrassed. However, there are numerous dental treatments that can be used to correct the problems caused by a missing tooth. Unfortunately, if you have a limited understanding about this dental treatment, you might not realize that there are many myths and misconceptions regarding this type of care. In particular, the following two are relatively common for new implant patients to believe.

Myth: Dental Implants Only Correct Cosmetic Issues

There is a frequently held belief among some dental patients that dental implants are only used in restoring the cosmetic effects of a tooth loss. While this is certainly one of the main benefits of opting to receive dental implants, it is far from the only benefit. When a patient loses a tooth, it is common for the jaw to gradually recede. Eventually, this can have a profound impact on a patient's mouth because it can weaken the other teeth and make them more likely to become misaligned. Both of these problems can cause you functional issues with your mouth, but having a dental implant placed as soon as possible can help to minimize these risks.

Myth: Anyone Is A Candidate For Dental Implants

While dental implants can correct a number of problems, some patients fail to realize that not everyone might meet the minimum requirements to undergo this procedure. For example, heavy sedation will be required, and patients with certain respiratory or heart conditions may be considered too risky for some dentists.

It should also be noted that there must be ample jaw bone for the implant to be held firmly in place. As a result, patients that have lost a considerable amount of jaw bone may be need to receive a bone graft before they are able to proceed with receiving the implants.

If you have had the misfortune of losing one of your teeth, it is important for you to understand the various treatment options available. To this end, dental implants can be one of the more effective options for you to choose, but if you are unaware of the realities behind some myths, it may be difficult for you to know what to expect. Realizing that these implants provide important health benefits outside of cosmetic concerns and that there are minimum requirements for a patient to be able to receive this care will help you to make sound choices for your needs. Contact a business, such as the Cumberland Periodontal Associate, for more information.