Dental implants are a popular method of tooth restoration, but people are still holding off on this potentially life-changing surgery. Myths and concerns circulating about tooth implants regarding the expenses, long recovery period and potential safety issues are mostly false claims. This article will distinguish fact from fiction regarding dental implants in Melbourne.
Implants are unaffordable: false
Dental implants in Melbourne might cost more initially, but what people do not take into account are their lifelong benefits.
Unlike other restoration devices that last on average between seven to fifteen years, implants can last forever if adequately taken care of – this takes out the hassle and expense of having them replaced.
I’ve heard that the implant procedure and post-op is painful: false
With anaesthesia being used to block the sensation of pain, patients might only feel some level of tolerable discomfort. You will experience some tenderness in the first week of recovery, which can be relieved with pain medication, such as Ibuprofen. If the soreness persists for longer, consult with your dentist immediately.
Recover time is long: true
Implant surgery relies on a biological process called Osseointegration to successfully integrate the titanium metal of the implant with the jaw bone, which means you should expect healing to be slow. That said if you have lived with a gummy mouth for a while, the recovery time will not seem long by comparison.
While tooth implants might not be a quick fix, the results last for a very long time.
Implants are untested and unpredictable: false
Dental implants have been used for decades, and in that time: have been tried, tested and perfected. Today, dental implant procedures boast a 95% success rate.
These success rates are due to the strict health measures that are in place to minimise the chances of implants being rejected by the body.
Anyone can get implants: false
If you plan to get implants in the future, you need to have relatively healthy gums and enough jawbone to hold implants. You must treat gum disease, typically with a scaling and root planning, before undergoing this procedure. You will have to plump up your jawbone if there is an insufficient amount of bone for implantation, with bone graft surgery. Bone grafts transplant bone from one part of the body – usually the hip bone or cheek – to the jaw. Once the bone is successfully integrated with surrounding tissue, implants can then be considered.
If you suffer from particular chronic diseases, such as uncontrolled diabetes or osteoporosis, you are unfortunately not a suitable candidate for this procedure.
Implants are high maintenance: false
You must look after your implants and practice good dental hygiene, but you will not need to incorporate new steps into your existing teeth-cleaning routine. No special solutions or serum gels are required – simply brush, floss and rinse your mouth with an anti-bacterial mouthwash.
There is very little need for implants: false
Recent studies have shown that the average number of missing, decayed or filled teeth sits at nearly 12.8 teeth per Australian over the age of 15 – so there is a definitive need for tooth implants and other types of prosthesis.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second
opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.