What Are The 10 Myths That Surround Dental Implants?

Dental implants have been around for decades, but they’re still one of the most misunderstood dental procedures. For many people, getting dental implants is a life-changing experience. These permanent teeth can help you live better, feel better and smile more confidently than ever before. But if you’re considering getting dental implants, you may be concerned about some myths floating around the internet. The good news is that these rumors just aren’t true! Here are 10 myths about dental implants—and why they don’t hold up under scrutiny:

Myth #1: “I Don’t Need Implants Because I Have Dentures.”

One of the most common myths about dental implants is that they’re not necessary if you have dentures. While it’s true that dentures can be an adequate replacement for teeth, they could be better. Dentures don’t have roots or bone to support them and are held in place by suction or adhesion; this means they can be uncomfortable and may shift around while you eat or speak. Also, they require regular maintenance because they must be cleaned regularly and replaced every 5-10 years (and sometimes sooner). Finally, many people who wear dentures also experience jawbone loss over time due to having no natural teeth in their mouth – which is something that even the best-fitting denture cannot fix!

Myth #2: “You Can’t Eat Anything After Receiving A Dental Implant.”

This is a common misconception, but it’s not true. You just have to avoid biting down hard on the tooth–the same way you would if you lost a regular tooth. Biting down hard on an implant will cause pain and damage your jawbone over time. The best way for patients who have received implants is to eat soft foods or chew them thoroughly before swallowing them (i.e., no crunchy chips).

Myth #3: “I’m Too Old To Get Dental Implants.”

It’s a common misconception that the aging process affects your jawbone and makes it impossible for you to get dental implants at an older age. While it’s true that our bodies change over time, there are no signs of aging in the jawbone until we reach our 50s or 60s. If you have healthy teeth and gums, your body is ready for implant treatment at any age!

Dental implants are a great choice for older people who want their smile back–and they can improve your quality of life by restoring chewing and speech ability (if you have missing teeth).

Myth #4: “Dental Implants Are Uncomfortable & Painful.”

The process of getting a dental implant is not painful. In fact, it’s the opposite: most patients report that their implants are comfortable and easy to live with. The only discomfort comes from anesthetic injections and the insertion process, but even those are relatively minor compared with what you’d experience during a tooth extraction.

Once your implant is in place, it’ll feel like you never lost your tooth. You can eat whatever foods you want without worrying about pain or sensitivity in that area of your mouth–and since there are no nerves in an artificial tooth root (the part inside your jawbone), there will be no “ouch” moments from biting down on something hard either!

Myth#5: “You Need To Be A Smoker To Get Dental Implants.”

You don’t have to be a smoker to get dental implants, but it can affect the success of the surgery. Smoking can damage your teeth and gums, making them more susceptible to decay and other health issues.

Smoking also increases the risk of complications during and after surgery. If you’re considering getting dental implants or have already had them installed, you must stop smoking completely before undergoing any procedures involving anesthesia (like when having an implant placed).

Myth #6: “Dental Implants Won’t Last As Long As A Tooth Is Never Extracted.”

Dental implants are very durable. A dental implant, once it’s fully integrated into your jawbone, can be almost as strong as your natural teeth. In fact, some studies have found that when it comes to strength and stability, dental implants outperform natural teeth!

Because they’re so strong and durable (and because they don’t depend on your gums), dental implants can last a lifetime–or longer!

Myth #7: “You Can’t Get Your Teeth Whitened By Using An Implant-Supported Crown.”

Dental implants are not affected by the whitening, so you won’t have to worry about how they’ll look after being bleached. If you’re considering getting dental implants and want to keep the exact color of your natural teeth, this is good news! You’ll be able to have a custom-made crown created for your implant-supported tooth that fits over the top of it perfectly.

The new tooth will match perfectly with its neighboring teeth (since they’re all made from porcelain), but because it has been restored as part of an implant system rather than being placed into one piece like traditional dentures or bridges would be done–you won’t need any other treatment like bleaching to achieve this effect either!

Myth #8: “You Need To Have Existing Teeth For Dental Implants.”

Dental implants are not just for replacing one or two teeth. Dental implants can be used to replace an entire mouthful of missing teeth. The procedure is also effective for people who have had their original teeth removed and want something permanent in their mouths.

Dental implants are not recommended if you have no remaining teeth at all–but this isn’t something most people need to worry about!

Myth #9: “You Must Have Time For A Lengthy Procedure For Dental Implants.”

While it’s true that dental implants require a longer healing time than other procedures, they are not lengthy procedures. In fact, most patients report that their dental implant placement was quick and painless.

Many dentists will place the entire implant in one day–from start to finish!

Dental implants are a great option for people who want to replace missing teeth. They’re more durable than dentures or bridges and last longer than dental bridges. But if you’re considering getting dental implants, it’s important to know what you’re getting into, which means debunking some of these myths about them first!