Dental implants are used to replace missing teeth.
Any restoration of a missing tooth with an implant consists of three parts: the implant itself (made of titanium), the abutment (the intermediary between the implant and the crown), and the crown (the thing that is actually in the mouth). The abutment and the crown can be technically fused into one or they can be separate. The materials used can be different but must meet one condition - biocompatibility. Such are titanium, zirconium, and lithium disilicate.
At Petar Duchev Dental Clinic we serve patients from all over Bulgaria with various dental needs, including dental implants. As a leading dental clinic in Bulgaria, we often receive questions about the implant process. Unfortunately, one of the biggest problems this service faces is misinformation. There are many inaccuracies that are spread regarding implants. Here we will clarify the six most serious misconceptions that are often shared with us in the clinic:
1. Only the elderly place dental implants.
The idea that only seniors need dentures or dental implants is simply false. While the majority of dental implants are placed on patients 50 and older, there are many younger people who need them.
Tooth loss occurs due to many factors, including:
- Age;
- Disease;
- Injuries;
- Genetics;
- Diet.
Anyone with healthy gums and jawbones is considered a good candidate for a dental implant. Don't worry about age, worry about your overall oral health.
2. The dental implant procedure is painful.
The procedure itself is completely painless.
In 90% of cases, we use deep sedation (medical sleep) as anesthesia, combined with very small amounts of local anesthesia. If the procedure is very limited in volume (single implant) we can also perform it with local anesthesia only. Deep sedation is comfort. First of all for the patient and also for the team treating him. This procedure provides conditions for significantly faster, painless, and uneventful healing of the operated areas. Implantation procedures are not associated with pain afterward by our patients. Typically, some report mild discomfort the next day and occasionally there is mild swelling, but this is for very voluminous and lengthy procedures. For example, All-on-4* procedures(removing all teeth that are to be extracted and placing 4 implants at one time) or bilateral sinus lift.
If the instructions we give are followed and home care is adequate after the flossing (8-10 days), everything will be just a faint memory.
3. Dental implants are rare.
Dental implants are not a rare treatment. According to the American Academy of Implantology, approximately 300 million people have dental implants. That number is growing by about 500,000 people each year.
If you are missing teeth and are worried about how it will affect your appearance, bite or chewing, implants can help. The Peter Duchev Dental Clinic is a specialist clinic in dental implants and has years of experience in crafting the perfect smiles for its patients. You can rest assured that if you choose dental implants, you are not alone in your decision and that our dentists have performed the procedure many times before.
4. Perfect teeth are needed to be able to have dental implants placed.
Dental implants are for anyone who needs them. They are not for people with perfect teeth. In fact, most people who get dental implants have a few imperfections in their mouths that necessitate the use of an implant.
To get one, most patients need a healthy jawbone, gums, and surrounding teeth. During the initial consultation, your dentist will determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. Although it is not right for everyone, most people should have no trouble getting approved.
5. Dental implants are too expensive.
Dental implants can cost anywhere from 900 to 3,000 Leva depending on the complexity of the situation, the type of implant, and the competence of your dentist. Stay away from offers that are too "tempting" from a financial point of view. The implants used will be cheap copies of leading brands manufactured in questionable locations.
The price is formed by many indicators. This takes into account: the type of implants (they also have different prices), the auxiliary materials used, the equipment, and the competence of the dentist performing the manipulation. First and foremost, however, is the guaranteed safety during the procedure and the level of follow-up care.
6. Dental implants look unnatural.
One of the biggest concerns of our patients is that dental implants will look different from real teeth. Although there are many ways of placing crowns where it is obvious from a distance that they are artificial, dental implants should and do look like natural teeth, function like natural teeth, and need daily care like natural teeth.
The way the implant is placed directly into the jawbone leaves no doubt that the tooth may not be yours.
The key to the natural look of the implant is in carefully matching the color and shape of the crown to the rest of the teeth. While for many people the temptation to have a brilliant smile is great, you would hardly want to have one sparkling white tooth against the rest of the not-so-white ones.
At first, eating with a dental implant can be a little strange. This is true for any dental procedure. Even a filling gives a different feeling when you first bite down. Over time, however, you will get used to your implant. Unlike fully removable dentures that you take out and put in, an implant stays in place. This makes getting used to the new tooth in your mouth quick and easy.
Contact Dental Clinic Petar Duchev
Dental implants are used as a preventive measure to maintain the shape of the bite, reduce tooth misalignment, and maintain the lips and facial structure. They are also used as an aesthetic tool to provide a beautiful and healthy smile where teeth were once missing.
