Debunking 5 Common Myths About Dental Implants

Uncategorized Feb 22, 2023

There are a lot of myths and misconceptions surrounding dental implants that can make the process seem daunting to both patients and new dentists. We’ve compiled a few common myths about dental implants to debunk to help people understand what getting implants is like.

Myth: Implants Are Only for Older Adults

When many people think of dental implants, they often think that only older adults can have them. However, this assumption is untrue. While many dentists use dental implants to replace teeth in older adults, they have many benefits for people of all ages, including restoring mouth comfort and confidence in younger patients. Plus, implant success rates tend to be higher in young patients, making them a great option for replacing missing teeth at any age.

Myth: Dental Implants Look Obvious

Modern restorative products (dentures, crowns, or bridges) based on dental implants provide a completely natural-looking result. Advances in materials, technology, and techniques enable dental professionals to craft restorative products that blend naturally with existing teeth, producing an undetectable appearance. We can now also craft full denture products that are very aesthetic in appearance. This way, they look and feel natural. After all, our patients will judge us not on the implants (“just a screw”) but on the fit and function of the chosen restorative product(s).

Myth: Implants Are Just for Aesthetics

Many people believe that dental implants are purely a cosmetic choice. The reason is that most patients (and even some doctors) think of the end restorative product as “the implants.” Remember again that the implants are “just the screws” that hold the final chosen restorative product together. While some people opt for dental implants to secure their restorative product of choice, implants can also prevent further damage to a patient’s jawbone and restore full function in a patient’s mouth. By replacing the roots of missing teeth, implants help preserve the healthy jawbone and gum tissue. Implants are a huge boon for patients with missing teeth and can vastly improve comfort when eating, speaking, and laughing.

Myth: Implants Are Expensive for Patients

A common myth about dental implants is that they are expensive for patients. While it’s true that the upfront costs for dental implant procedures can be high, it’s important to take into account the high costs of maintaining the health and stability of alternative treatments, such as bridges and dentures. With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime, while other tooth replacement options may require expensive maintenance or even complete replacement over time.

Myth: Implants Are Weaker Than Teeth

The myth that dental implants are significantly weaker than natural teeth is false. In reality, they are a strong and reliable option when it comes to replacing missing teeth. Modern implants contain titanium, ceramics, or other durable materials, making them comparable in strength to natural teeth. Additionally, dental implant posts can fuse with surrounding bone tissue to create a high level of stability.