This four-part article series unravels some of the myths surrounding dental implants, bringing patients closer to understanding the truth about this teeth replacement technology.

Welcome to the final installment of this four-part article series on the common myths and misconceptions surrounding dental implants in NJ. From Part 1 to Part 3, we’ve examined and dispelled the following four myths:

1. Dental implant surgery is incredibly painful – Modern procedures are minimally invasive and pain is easily managed with local anesthesia/sedation and post operative prescription or over-the-counter painkillers.
2. Dental implants are very expensive – The benefits of dental implants are unrivalled by any other teeth replacement technology. Teeth and bridges affixed to them can also last 20, 30 years and longer without restoration or additional expenses, thus making them one of the most cost-effective solutions available.
3. It takes forever to get new teeth with dental implants – New implant supported crowns and bridges are often “immediately functional” and can be placed the same day as the implant surgery.
4. Dental implants are difficult to look after – They require the same maintenance and cleaning effort as natural teeth.

In this, our final post, we shall examine two last dental implant myths. It has been the purpose of this four-part series to bring patients closer to understanding the truth about the dental implants and their benefits as the most sophisticated teeth replacement technology on the market!

Myth Buster # 5: I’m too old to get dental implants.

There is really only one factor that can prevent a patient from becoming a candidate for dental implants in New Jersey… and that’s their general health. Skilled oral surgeons can, in most cases, work around conditions such as diabetes or blood clotting disorders, although this sometimes requires a great degree of planning, along with consulting with your medical doctor(s). However, there are certain conditions, which you can discuss with your surgeon that may prevent you from being a candidate.

Age itself is certainly not considered a factor. Experienced implant dentists have given patients in their nineties a brand new set of implant-supported teeth! Even if you’ve been a denture wearer for many years and have been told by your dentist that you’re not a candidate for dental implants, there are possible solutions. The “All-on-4TM” protocol has revolutionized the field of fixed oral rehabilitation by enabling oral surgeons to give patients a brand new set of teeth almost always without the need for bone grafting first. This procedure was traditionally required for patients who had long worn dentures and subsequently presented with advanced bone loss in the jaw.

So, you see, age really isn’t a concern. Your overall health is, but you’ll never know unless you first speak to an oral surgeon about dental implants in NJ!

Myth Buster # 6: Dental implants come with too many side effects.

The side effects, risks and complications that come with dental implants are typical of ANY dental surgery involving incisions and sutures. Patients can experience localized discomfort, swelling and bruising and a heightened risk of infection in the days following surgery. In some cases, complications can and do occur, although the incidence of this has become less and less over the years with the advent of sophisticated Cone Beam CT imaging and computer software aids and guides.

This does not mean that every single one of these side effects is going to happen to you. Most patients report hardly any pain and discomfort in the days following their surgery. Almost 90% of all dental implants patients in New Jersey return to work the day after their procedure. While there are certain risks involved, qualified and experienced oral surgeons do everything possible to keep these to a minimum. Furthermore, if you comply with their strict instructions for post-operative care, you’ll further lessen your chances of having any adverse effects.