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 back to our four-part article series on the common myths surrounding dental implants in NJ. In our previous article post, we provided an introduction to the series before busting the myth that dental implants are extremely painful to have placed. The thrust of this argument was that the sophisticated modern technology, surgical techniques and pain management methods used by oral surgeons have rendered dental implant procedures – for the most part – pain and discomfort free. Even post-operative pain is minimal and can be effectively managed with prescription pain medication or, as is often the case, with over-the-counter analgesics such as Tylenol or Advil.

Let’s now address another major myth…

Myth Buster # 2: Dental implants are very expensive.

It’s true that dental implants in New Jersey can sometimes cost more than traditional teeth replacement techniques, such as dental crowns or bridges (in the case of a single or a few missing teeth) and removable dentures (in the case of complete tooth loss). But this is quite simply because dental implants typically offer a far better, more sophisticated and much longer lasting solution to missing teeth than either of these older methodologies!

Dentures and dental bridges are cheaper when not used in conjunction with dental implants in the same way that a Nokia 3310 is cheaper than an iPhone 5; a 1994 Toyota Corolla costs less than a 2011 Toyota Yaris and a cross-country bus trip is less expensive than an air ticket… It’s like “comparing apples and oranges.”

Crowns and Bridges supported by dental implants:

• Are fixed (non-removable), so they can’t shift around or fall out like removable dentures can.
• Typically don’t damage or irritate the underlying soft tissue (gums) in the mouth, causing pain and inflammation.
• Don’t require patients to constantly buy products such as anesthetic gels and adhesives.
• Don’t impede one’s ability to taste and experience their food (temperature and texture) properly, like a full denture can.
• Are cleaned and maintained similar to natural teeth, so forget the need to remove your teeth after meals and at nighttime for cleaning!
• Are professionally fabricated to be virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth, giving patients much better smile confidence in the social and professional environment.
• Facilitate a strong and natural bite, enabling patients to eat just about all the foods they love.
• Can last several decades without the need for restoration and/or replacement. Bridges made on natural teeth typically last 10-15 years before they need to be replaced, while dentures need to be refitted every few years or so as a result of bone loss in the jaw. Dental implants have a life expectancy of 98% and can last decades!
• Promote a strong and healthy jawbone and prevent atrophy from causing premature aging of one’s natural youthful facial contours.

Essentially, dental implants are typically a one-time solution to tooth loss. When you consider the costs of dentures in the long run, in addition to the crippling challenges and daily discomfort they cause patients, dental implants are not only the more cost effective option; they’re the option that promotes the greatest quality of life. And how can you put a price on something like your daily enjoyment of eating, your youthful smile aesthetics and your self-esteem?

Stay Tuned for Part 3

To see more popular dental implant myths in NJ busted, stay tuned for the third installment of this four-part article series!