A healthy smile is something that almost everyone wants to have, but there are many dental diseases and conditions that can result in the need to extract damaged teeth. While this can relieve much of the discomfort caused by these dental ailments, this procedure will dramatically alter a person's smile. Luckily, it is possible to replace missing teeth, but receiving dental implants is a highly complex procedure. By understanding the reality behind two common myths, you may find it easier to decide if this is a good option for you. 

Myth: Dental Implants Damage The Surrounding Teeth

There are many different ways to correct a missing tooth, and one of the most common is through the use of a bridge. This is a prosthetic device that holds an artificial tooth, and it connects to the surrounding healthy teeth. Unfortunately, anchoring this device requires modifying the adjacent teeth, and this may make some people shy away from this option. 

Luckily, dental implants will not negatively affect the surrounding teeth in any way. In fact, implants can actually help keep your teeth healthy by preventing the jawbone from eroding. This is a common problem when there is not a tooth root attached to the jaw. Yet, dental implants closely mimic the function of the tooth's root, and this will prevent the jaw from atrophying and causing other teeth to fall out. 

Myth: Implants Will Need To Be Regularly Reinstalled

Another common assumption is that the dental implants will need to be regularly adjusted and replaced. Fortunately, this is not the case, and these prosthetics are designed to last for years without needing any major work. Generally, unless the patient has sustained a traumatic mouth injury, the implant will not come loose or require any additional work after it is installed. 

However, it is possible for the artificial tooth to become damaged, and when this happens, it may need to be replaced. Fortunately, this can usually be done without the need to install another implant. Rather, the damaged crown is removed from the implant, and a new one is installed in its place. 

A dental implant can be the perfect solution for individuals that have lost teeth. While these devices can dramatically improve a person's appearance, there are many myths circulating around these medical devices. By understanding that dental implants do not harm other teeth and that they seldom need work done after installation, you may realize that these implants are just what you need to have a beautiful smile again.