Dental Implants in Lafayette, LA

Tooth loss can be an isolating experience. Your confidence takes a hit, your speaking function changes, and eating becomes problematic. But, you can reclaim your life and confidence with the right restorative dentist and prosthetic. That’s why dental implants are among the most popular teeth-replacement options available to patients today.

Dr. Michael J. Young conveniently provides in-office dental implant surgery using top-of-the-line technology. If you’re tired of living with tooth loss, then schedule your implant consultation today. You can reach our dedicated Lafayette, LA, team at 337-237-6453.

If you’re still considering dental implants, then let us debunk five common myths about implants. You’ll be surprised how incredible teeth implants actually are!

Myth #1: Dental Implants require extremely painful surgery.

First, it’s important to understand that dental implants do require oral surgery. But, dental professionals use ultra-precise tools and technology to make the implant process as painless as possible. For example, Dr. Young uses digital cone beam scanners, which give incredibly accurate 3D readings for precise implant placement.

Furthermore, dentists ensure patient comfort during the procedure by using:

Local anesthesia to numb the procedure site
Sedation options for increased relaxation
Prescription pain medication, if necessary

Myth #2: It takes a very long time to heal after implant surgery.

Dentists recommend that patients take it easy for 24 to 48 hours after implant surgery. However, the healing process isn’t as long as you might think.

Typically, dental implants take approximately 6 to 12 weeks to fully heal. This allows not only the gum tissue to heal after surgery, but it also encourages osseointegration–or bone fusion.

Bone fusion is crucial to dental implant success. After a dental professional places the implant directly into the jaw bone, the implant gains stability as the bone tissue heals and grows around it. This fusion process provides unparalleled sturdiness and durability for a long-lasting restoration.

Myth #3: Dental implants are just like other prosthetics.

Essentially, all restorative dental prosthetics serve the same purpose: restore patients’ chewing and speaking function. However, teeth implants do much more than reestablish chewing and speaking ability.

Unlike other restorative dental prosthetics, dental implants act as a tooth’s natural root. Therefore, implants encourage healthy bone growth, nerve function, and blood circulation. In turn, implants prevent:

Jaw bone degeneration
Further tooth loss
Oral and systemic disease or dysfunction

Myth #4: Candidacy for dental implants is very strict.

Usually, a good candidate for dental implants include patients who:

Have sufficient jaw bone density
Have healthy surrounding teeth and gums
Don’t have certain health conditions, like diabetes or auto-immune disorders

However, patients who don’t fit all the criteria may still be suitable candidates after proper remediation. For example, a bone graft helps restore insufficient jaw bone tissue. Similarly, treating active gum disease may be enough to reestablish a healthy mouth before implant surgery.

Regardless, Dr. Young can expertly determine your candidacy at an implant consultation. And, if necessary, he can provide remedial treatments to prepare your mouth for the implant process.

Myth #5: Dental implants have a low success rate.

Research indicates that dental implants have a remarkably high success rate of over 90%. Indeed, this high success rate means that patients can enjoy their implant for decades (with the proper care, of course!).

Properly caring for your dental implant does not require more than:

Twice daily brushing
Daily flossing
Regular dental checkups and cleanings