If you are considering dental implants, then you may have come across some popular myths during your research.

Dental implants can be a great replacement option for those with dentures, decaying teeth, or missing teeth. Because dental implants aren’t very well-known, many have reservations when deciding if they are a good option for them.

With that being said, we hope to clear up any reservations and myths about dental implants; so, here are the ten most popular myths and why they are wrong.

1. Only Old People Can Have Dental Implants

In reality, dental implants are for anyone with a fully developed jawbone and good oral health, which often means that anyone over 20 years of age can have a dental implant.

2. Undergoing a Dental Implant Procedure Is Painful

Thanks to anesthesia, oral surgeons are able to perform a dental implant procedure without causing pain to the patient. However, during the recovery process, you may experience some pain—though prescription pain medication can help alleviate it.

3. Speaking Can Be Hard with Dental Implants

Unlike other solutions, dental implants are designed to act and look just like any other tooth in your mouth. As such, it does not affect your speech, and may just improve it if you’re used to wearing dentures.

4. It Is Easy to Spot Dental Implants Because They Are Fake

Thanks to advancements in the field, oral surgeons are able to create natural-looking dental implants that will blend in seamlessly with the rest of your teeth. Your oral surgeon will take into account your mouth shape, features, and surrounding teeth to create an implant that will look like any other tooth in your mouth. 

5. It Is Costly to Get Dental Implants 

While it is true that dental implants are more expensive than, for example, dentures, they are far more reliable and durable. As such, dental implants can last for decades, plus you don’t have to worry about all the hassles that come with having dentures.

6. Maintaining Dental Implants Is a lot of Work

Contrary to popular belief, dental implants do not take a lot of work to maintain. In fact, you can treat them just like any other tooth. All you have to do is regularly brush your teeth, floss, and have an occasional dental check-up just like you normally would without dental implants. Furthermore, there are no dietary restrictions. 

7. Dental Implants Are Not Reliable and Can Fall Out

While dentures may be prone to falling out after a good laugh, dental implants are not. They are securely fastened to the jawbone, which allows them to firmly stay in place just like any other tooth. As such, you don’t have to worry about your dental implants going anywhere.

8. Only Those with One Tooth Missing Can Have a Dental Implant

In reality, dental implants can replace multiple teeth or even entire arches. They are known to be a highly versatile solution that can accommodate anything from one tooth missing to even your whole back row of teeth!

9. The Body Can Reject Dental Implants

While dental implant failure can happen, it is usually due to poor oral hygiene, a medical condition, or smoking. Oral surgeons make sure to create dental implants from biocompatible materials so that your body will not reject them. In addition, your oral surgeon will take into account any allergies you have when creating the implant.

10. Dental Implants Have a Long Healing Process

As with any procedure, there is a healing or recovery time to take into account. Thanks to advances in how the procedure is done, dental implants will typically only take a couple of months to fully heal. However, while it takes a few months to fully heal, most can resume their normal eating habits within a couple of days after the procedure.

Conclusion

All in all, dental implants are a great choice for most as they provide a long-term solution that is also much like the real thing. 

With that being said, if you are interested in learning more about what dental implants are or have a dental emergency, then it is best to talk with an oral surgeon about the right course of action.