Good Dental Care: It Doesn't Have to Break Your Budget

Tackling Common Fears Concerning Dental Implant Surgery

Take a look at a celebrity of your choice and there is a good chance at least part of their charming smile is the result of some form of cosmetic dentistry. Even though you want a dazzling smile just the same, the fear of going under anesthesia for dental implant surgery can sometimes be enough to have you scheduling an appointment for dentures or partials instead. When it comes down to it, a lot of the associated fear stems from misinformation and assumptions. Tackling those fears head on with facts is the best way to see that dental implants really do make a lot of sense.

Fear: The prosthetic teeth will cause pain for many months after the surgery.

Fact: The pain that is associated with dental implant surgery can vary from patient to patient because individual circumstances will affect the amount of pain experienced. Some patients say that there is minimal pain that only lasts about as long as what is associated with a root canal or other procedure. Anesthesia is used during the procedure and localized injections will also be given. After surgery, many dentists will help to control any pain with medications.

Fear: After dental implant surgery, you cannot eat the same types of foods.

Fact: It is true that immediately after surgery you will not be able to eat traditional foods. However, this is not a permanent situation. The dentist will most likely instruct you to eat soft foods for 10 to 14 days. This is a sufficient amount of time for the teeth and gums to heal enough after surgery to resume a normal diet.

Fear: There is a good chance the implants will not be accepted by your body and cause a lot of problems.

Fact: Some people do have problems with the implants not being accepted by the body. However, this is actually a pretty rare occurrence. The long-term success of implants of high-quality materials with the right followup care and treatment is as high as 93 to 98 percent. When the implants do perform well after surgery, you can even see them last for a decade or beyond.

The next time you see a charming celebrity smile and fell a twinge of envy, make sure you keep in mind that dental implant surgery is an option you do have just the same. It is a good idea to talk to a cosmetic dentist, like Bedich Joseph D DDS MAGD, to discuss any ill-informed fears you may have about dental implant surgery.


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