We understand—receiving single or even multiple dental implants in Overland Park can sound a bit frightening. But the truth is, dental implants are one of the safest, most common surgeries we perform for our patients here at Kansas Family Dental. And they’re about more than just replacing your teeth; dental implants also improve oral function, long-term health, and restore confidence!
Today, we’re addressing some of the myths and fears we hear about dental implants to set the record straight.
But First, What Are Dental Implants?
Single or multiple dental implants replace missing teeth with a sturdy, natural-looking artificial tooth. A common procedure, the surgery involves replacing the root with a threaded post, adding an abutment to the post, and capping the whole thing with a crown.
→ Learn more in our guide to our process for multiple or single tooth implants.
Myth #1: “Implants are super painful.”
With single and multiple dental implants in Overland Park, discomfort is usually mild. During the procedure, we use a local anesthetic to numb the area. After we insert the threaded post into the jaw, patients may experience mild swelling and pain for a few days. We recommend over-the-counter pain medication for more comfort during this phase.
Myth #2: “The healing takes forever.”
After the initial threaded post insertion, you may experience a few days of mild soreness and swelling. But after that, the bone healing phase, or osseointegration, happens naturally and doesn’t usually interfere with day-to-day life. So while it can take a few months for the healing to complete, you won’t feel discomfort during that time.
Myth #3: “Implants aren’t as strong as natural teeth.”
In reality, implants are often stronger than natural teeth. They’re made of titanium, after all! The implants anchor directly into the jawbone, creating a stronger foundation and allowing patients to chew with confidence.
We make the crown itself out of porcelain, zirconia, metal, or a composite.
Together, these materials create a natural-feeling and durable artificial tooth you can rely on.
Myth #4: “Dental implants look fake.”
With advances in dental technology and high-quality materials, dental implants look and feel just like your natural teeth. Our 3D CBCT X-ray provides detailed, high-resolution images of your teeth and jaw to help place your new tooth precisely and with care.
After we place the threaded post and abutment, we take an impression of the area to create a tooth that fits right in with the rest of your smile. We can match the color, shape, and size of your surrounding teeth for a seamless final result.
Myth #5: “Dental implants are the same as a bridge.”
Dental implants and bridges are both common procedures for replacing lost teeth. However, dental implants use an artificial root to anchor the false tooth, while bridges use the surrounding teeth to support the new tooth.
With a dental bridge, the adjacent healthy teeth must be filed down to make room for the crowns that hold the bridge in place. Over time, this can weaken those teeth and increase the risk of cavities or decay around them. Bridges also typically need to be replaced every 5 to 15 years and may lose their natural appearance as they age.
Dental implants, on the other hand, stand on their own and don’t involve the neighboring teeth at all. With proper care, your single or multiple dental implants in Overland Park can last a lifetime.
Smile Brighter With Dental Implants
At Kansas Family Dental, we prioritize the comfort and health of all our patients. Our advanced dental equipment helps us provide exceptional care, while our commitment to great hospitality means we always lead with compassion and honesty. For a local family dental office with good people providing great care, our team has you covered.
If you’re missing one or more teeth, don’t wait to smile again. Give us a call at (913) 500-5555 to schedule your free consultation.
Or book a consultation with us online.
→ Looking for something else? Learn more about our options for full arch implants instead!
