Dental Implants – Common myths busted

A Dental Implant is a biocompatible titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone to act as an artificial root for a missing tooth. Once healed, a custom-made crown is attached to this post — restoring both the function and appearance of a real tooth. Dental implants look, feel, and function like natural teeth, and can last for decades with proper care. However, there are few myths and misconceptions associated with dental implant procedures, and we strive to clear those myths here.

Myth 1: “The procedure is extremely painful”

Reality: Dental implant placement is done under local anesthesia, (the same anesthesia that your dentist gives you while extracting your teeth or while doing a root canal treatment) making the procedure very comfortable. Nowadays with the advent and usage of finer drills, it has become even more hassle free. Post-operative discomfort is easily managed by few doses of pain killers/analgesics.

Myth 2: “Implants fail often / are risky”

Reality: Not at all…Dental implants have a high success rate of about 95–98%, and failures are uncommon when proper pre-treatment planning and assessment is done and placed by experienced dentists and cared for properly. Nowadays with the use of guided implant placements, the procedure has become very precise thus increasing the success rate.

Myth 3: “You’re too old for implants”

Reality: Age is never a contra indication for getting dental implants. Except children and teens (whose jawbone is still growing) everyone else can get dental implants done irrespective of their age. Older adults however need to be assessed for sufficient bone density, and control of any existing medical conditions before they can get dental implants done.

Myth 4: “Implants look fake or unnatural”

Reality: Dental implants are placed inside the bone and are never visible. A custom-made ceramic (natural life-like) crown is fabricated to match your natural teeth in shade, shape, and size, making it indistinguishable from real teeth.

Myth 5: “Implants are super expensive”

Reality: While implants may sound/appear costly in comparison with other replacement options like dentures or bridges, they are a long-term investment. Over a period, they turn out to be truly cost effective considering the fact that dentures and bridges have to be replaced after some time.

Myth 6: “It takes forever to get implants”

Reality: Treatment timelines vary. A dental implant usually takes few months to get fully integrated with the bone, only after which it can be put to functional use. However, modern techniques and immediate-loading options have reduced overall waiting time.

Myth 7: “Implants require a lot of maintenance”

Reality: Once healed, implants are cared for just like natural teeth, nothing more nothing less. There is no extra maintenance beyond good daily oral hygiene measures and routine dental visits.

Dental implants are a boon to patients who have lost their teeth, helping in replacing the lost function as well as esthetics. Proper pretreatment planning and execution is the key for long term success. Because of the prevalence of the above myth, many patients find it unconvincing to get the procedure done. We the team of best dentist/specialists at DT Smile Care, will ensure seamless dental implant procedure, restoring both function and esthetics and giving the patients a much-deserved new lease of life.  – by Dr Jahnvi Kolluru, DT Smile Care