Most people understand that dental implants are a way to replace missing teeth. But there are some little known facts I want to share that everybody can take advantage of when we have a tooth that has failed. Let’s set this up in terms of dispelling myths.
Myth 1: It’s more expensive to place an implant for my failed tooth than a bridge or a denture.
Today’s implants are less expensive than they were 10 years ago, in terms of time and money. The costs of replacing teeth with a denture may be less costly in the short term, but the fine print is in what happens in the long term: bone loss happens when teeth are lost. And the denture doesn’t fit as well, and the bite can collapse as time goes on. And all those problems cost money to overcome. So you’re most likely to spend more in the long-term . I see patients who spend money TWICE or THREE TIMES the initial cost of the denture they chose to pursue.
Myth 2: I have to wait 6, 9, 12, sometimes 18 months before my implant has replaced my lost tooth.
Today’s implant dentistry is more precise and predictable. Often a failed tooth can be immediately replaced with an implant. That reduces the healing time and reduces the number of follow-up visits and successive surgical procedures for replacing a tooth with an implant. We routinely see patients return to a completely replaced tooth in about 3 months. Sometimes we can replace a tooth in as little as 2 months.
Myth 3: I’m going to have excruciating pain and a long, tough recovery period.
I’ve been placing implants for the past 15 years. And when I call my patients after treatment, 9 out of 10 of them say they are fine. That means they have mild to no discomfort, they deal with the discomfort using an over-the counter pain medication, and they miss no time off work.
Myth 4: I have to go to a specialist for an implant.
It is very routine to place implants today. It is one of the most predictable procedures in dentistry. The implant process has been simplified and refined to allow general dentists to excel at what was once arcane, mysterious, and challenging. In my practice, we have created such an airtight system for implants, that we know what each patient will face. The toughest part is waiting for 3 months to have an implant tooth finished with the same simple process as a crown!
Chris Rafoth is the owner of Lyons Creek Dental Care, providing medical dentistry, dental implants, and facial esthetics since 1998 for Shoreline and greater Seattle areas, as well as communities in King and Snohomish counties. Any questions or comments? Contact him at chris@lyonscreekdentalcare.com today!
