Do you have missing teeth? You might automatically think of dentures or a bridge if you want to fill in the gaps in your smile, but there is a better option for many people — dental implants in Houston. Unfortunately, there are quite a few misconceptions around this treatment. Some claim that it is too expensive, that it is extremely painful, or that there is a high risk of failure. Let’s clear the air with the real facts about dental implants.
Fact #1: Dental Implants Are Best for Your Oral Health
For people who are good candidates for implants, this tooth replacement method is, hands down, the best way to regain those missing chompers. That’s because implants form a bond with the jawbone and act as replacement tooth roots. This bond actually helps to stop and prevent the bone loss that ordinarily comes after a tooth extraction.
Moreover, implants have a very high success rate — over 95 percent, according to some studies. The risk of infection and implant failure is minimal, and if you take steps to protect your new smile (for example, sticking to great oral hygiene habits and avoiding tobacco), it is highly unlikely that your implants will fail.
Fact #2: Implant Surgery Isn’t as Horrible as You Think
A skilled oral surgeon can make sure you don’t feel a thing during the implant placement surgery. You may experience some tenderness and soreness afterward, but if you follow your dentist’s instructions for managing the pain, you’re unlikely to be in agony. Many patients have remarked that the entire implant process was much more comfortable than they anticipated.
Fact #3: Implants Are a Smart Investment
It’s true that implants present a higher upfront cost than other tooth replacement options, but they offer the best long-term value because they have the potential to last a lifetime. In contrast, traditional dentures and bridges may need to be replaced every five to 10 years or so.
Fact #4: Dental Implants Aren’t a Modern Invention
Researchers have found evidence that a rudimentary form of dental implants existed as early as 600 C.E. Of course, the modern version of this treatment didn’t see real progress until 1951, when a group of dentists formed the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. Professionals in the dental industry have had many decades to develop and perfect different types of implants and the methods for placing them.
Fact #5: Dental Implants Provide Superior Aesthetics
Did you know that over three million people in the United States have dental implants? That number is growing by leaps and bounds each year, but you would never know it just by looking at people’s smiles. That’s because once the restorations are placed on top of the implants, they look completely natural. They also feel very natural — you might even forget that you have them!
Houston dental implants are a remarkable treatment that may be just what you need to regain your smile. Please take the time to research this procedure and talk to a professional about it; you may be pleasantly surprised by what you learn!
About the Dentist
Dr. Steve Koo is a Houston native who has devoted many hours to learning the art and science of oral surgery. He enjoys helping patients regain their confidence and their oral health through dental implants. If you would like to talk to Dr. Koo to discover whether implants are a fit for you, please contact our office at 713-597-7340.