There has been a lot of buzz surrounding cosmetic dentistry in recent years.
As treatments that were once only accessible to the richest members of society have trickled down into everyday dental practices, more people are choosing to go to the dentist for a makeover rather than the spa, leaving more people with Hollywood-worthy smiles.
However, like most things that have recently become widely available, cosmetic dental procedures have attracted a fair amount of criticism from many people, which has led to the spreading of myths surrounding some of the more popular cosmetic dental options.
Many dental practices which offer Dental Implants in Melbourne have been faced with patients anxious to know the truth about cosmetic oral implants, after reading stories online or in magazines.
In this article, the 5 most common myths surrounding oral implants will be explored, to allay any fear mongering myths that exist online or in the media.
Myth 1- Oral implants are painful.
While it is a common trope for dental procedures to be linked to pain, in relation to implants, it is simply not true.
When a person visits a dental surgery, before anything is fitted or drilled, the area where the implant will be fitted will be numbed. Once the implant is fitted, the patient may feel something akin to bruising or soreness, but this should be controllable with over the counter painkillers; any pain that is more severe should be examined by a dentist as soon as possible.
Myth 2- Implants don’t last very long.
This myth is simply misleading!
Provided that the patient with the implants refrains from smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and ensures that they attend biannual dental check-ups, oral implants can last up to 40 years.
Myth 3- Infections from implants are really common.
Anything involving opening up the gum line and drilling simply has to lead to some kind of infection doesn’t it?
Most dental procedures carry the risk of infection, but oral implants do not inherently make an infection more likely. The gum line will be sterilised before the implant is fitted and afterwards, the area will be stitched with dissolvable stitches and a strict hygiene regime must be followed to prevent infection.
If you have symptoms of an infection, like painful swelling, pus or a fever, please visit your dentist as soon as possible.
Myth 4- Implants are prohibitively expensive.
As they are considered cosmetic, oral implants can seem extremely expensive if you are paying for them upfront.
However, many dental surgeries are able to offer patients finance or payment plans to help spread the cost over several months, making the cost of implants more affordable.
Myth 5- Implants look really fake.
Any prosthetic teeth fitted to an implant will be colour, shape and size matched to any natural teeth remaining in the mouth, meaning they will not stick out. If you have no remaining teeth, your dentist will fit the teeth to complement your mouth’s unique size and shape.
Disclaimer
All dental treatments carry potential risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
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