By Dr. Aastha Chandra

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23 Feb 2023

MYTHS ABOUT DENTAL IMPLANTS:

If you are suffering from tooth loss, then you probably have heard about dental implants.  Strong, stable and permanent, dental implants also called teeth implants, are metal screws or posts that a restorative dentist surgically places into the jawbone beneath the gums. Once in position, replacement teeth are mounted onto the screws.

Implants are the most effective way to correct your smile and can replace one tooth or a mouthful of teeth.

Implants are the most effective way to correct your smile and can replace one tooth or a mouthful of teeth.

1. GETTING DENTAL IMPLANTS IS PAINFUL:

While performing the surgery your doctor will give you anesthesia to numb your teeth and gums. Dental implants are not as painful as you may think despite the fact that it is a surgical procedure. However, you’ll feel a slight pressure at the site of the procedure but not pain.

2. DENTAL IMPLANTS ARE EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE:

You may feel that false teeth are better than a dental implant. But not getting dental implants can cause more damage. So, it’s actually a one-time investment that will save you from paying for other dental problems.

3. DENTAL IMPLANTS REQUIRE SPECIAL CARE AND MAINTENANCE:

Dental implants do not require special cleaning and maintenance. You simply need to maintain good oral hygiene. You can treat your dental implant like natural teeth. Simply brushing and flossing your
teeth will keep them clean.

4. DENTAL IMPLANTS ARE VISIBLE:

Dental Implants look like natural teeth. This means your dental implant will not stand as an odd one out amongst your natural teeth. No one will notice your tooth implant unless you tell someone
about it.

5. IMPLANT SURGERY TAKES A LONG TIME TO HEAL:

Dental implants surgery does not take a long time to heal, especially with the medicines prescribed by your dentist. The general time frame for recovery ranges from 2 -6 months depending on the
patient to patient.

6. DENTAL IMPLANTS ARE PRONE TO FAILURE:

The rate of dental implant failure is very low. Dental implants are made from biocompatible titanium which means your body will not reject them. Dental implants are safe.

7. DENTAL IMPLANTS COME WITH LONG TERM RISKS:

The procedure requires surgery. This means you may have to face minor risks like swollen gums, infection at surgical site etc. But this will happen only if you don’t take antibiotics or other medicines prescribed by your dentist. The whole purpose of those post-treatment medications is to prevent infections.

8. DENTAL IMPLANTS ONLY LAST FOR 10 YEARS:

Many types of dental restorations have a limited life span of about a decade. Dental implants are an exception. Studies have shown that they can last for several decades. Implants have an excellent
success rate, but it is up to you to follow the postoperative instructions with which you are provided following the procedure.

9. YOU CANNOT GET A DENTAL IMPLANT IF YOUR EXTRACTION HAPPENED SOME TIME AGO:

It is true that, over time, having missing teeth leads to a loss of bone density in the jaw. If the tooth was lost or extracted many years ago, the jaw may not be able to support an implant. However, it
may be possible to perform a bone graft to strengthen the jaw sufficiently. This requires a separate procedure with its recovery period.

10. YOU WILL HAVE NEW TEETH IN A DAY:

This myth comes from overzealous advertising, leaving some people to think that they can get their implants in a day. It is true that implants are usually placed in a patient’s mouth in one day, but
the entire implant process also involves an initial consultation, X-rays or scans, preparing the implants and possibly follow up appointments. This process ensures that a patient is a good
candidate for implants and that the implants are properly placed.

11. IMPLANTS ARE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE:

The fact is that age is not a factor in determining if someone is a good implant candidate.  Instead, a restorative dentist will evaluate a patient’s overall health, jaw bone strength and gum tissue health.
These are what is important, not a person’s age. People of any age can benefit from implants.

12. YOU CANNOT GET AN IMPLANT ON THE SAME DAY OF THE EXTRACTION:

An implant can be placed right after an extraction if you have healthy gums and sufficient jawbone density. Once the tooth has been removed, your dentist can immediately insert the titanium post
into your jaw if the bone density is sufficient. Then, it gradually fuses with the bone to provide a reliable foundation for a custom dental crown.

CONCLUSION:

Myths about dental implants grow out of inaccurate or outdated information. Some mistaken ideas come from confusion with other restoration options.
If you are interested in experiencing the benefits of dental implants first-hand, consult with a dentist regarding your needs, wants, and options.