At our San Diego office, we help several patients who have missing teeth or need teeth extracted, and replace them with dental implants. During our initial consultations, we often hear the same few misconceptions about this tooth replacement system. If you’ve been researching dental implants as a solution for you, and have heard some negative things about them, we’re here to reassure. Dental implants often are the best solution for most people.
Myth #1: Dental Implants are Way Too Expensive
While it’s true that most dental insurance companies will require you to pay some out-of-pocket costs for dental implants, investing in them versus bridges or dentures can save you money over time. This is because dental implants are built to last a lifetime if you care for them properly, and they are placed by a highly trained and knowledgeable surgeon like periodontist Dr. Beck. They also have over a 90% success rate, with failure usually resulting from improper home care, lack of routine maintenance (annual exams and cleanings), smoking, or severe medical conditions like diabetes. Dentures and bridges on the other hand, often need to be replaced every few years. Because the vast majority of San Diego residents typically pay for dental implant placement only once, they are able to achieve a great ROI on their investment and and may even save money over time.
Myth #2: Getting Dental Implants Hurts
Many San Diego residents who need to have dental implants surgery have never had any other type of oral or body surgery before in their life. Understandably, they are nervous about the pain that getting dental implants may cause. However, we take the proper precautions to ensure you are completely numb and comfortable during your surgery so that you won’t experience pain. To further ensure your comfort, we also offer additional services including nitrous oxide (laughing gas), conscious sedation, and even deep sedation/general anesthesia provided by a board certified anesthesiologist. Because of Dr. Beck’s gentle technique, most patients experience very little, if any, pain during recovery.
Myth #3: Dental Implants Will Look Like Fake Teeth
Many San Diego residents considering dental implants are concerned that they will look fake and that people will be able to tell they have prosthetic teeth. Don’t worry about this myth! As the most state-of-the-art tooth replacement option available, dental implants look indistinguishable from natural teeth. Unless you tell people you are having dental implants placed, they will be none the wiser that you have fake teeth.
Learn More About Dental Implants
Whether you’ve heard some other myth about dental implants, or are curious to learn more about the surgical process, we want to help! Dr. Beck takes pride in explaining every step and answering all her patients questions. We believe it is important for our patients to be well informed before making the decision to proceed with any surgical procedure, including dental implant placement.
If you have a tooth that needs removed, or have teeth that have been missing for years, we can help. As a board certified periodontal surgeon, Dr. Beck specializes in tooth extractions, bone grafting, and dental implant placement. Some patients are even eligible to have both the tooth extraction and implant placed at the same time!
If you have questions about dental implants, you’ll need to meet Dr. Beck for a consultation. Contact our office today to schedule appointment. Call our office in the San Diego area at (858) 635-6700.
