Amelia Grant

The condition of the teeth of most people leaves much to be desired because of water, climate, and city life. All this leads to the fact that by the age of 40, almost everyone has to go to the dentist not only for fillings but also for new teeth. Every year, dental implants are becoming increasingly popular. But there are still many myths and delusions surrounding this dental procedure. Let’s look at the most common myths and discover the truth.

Myth 1: The implant is a tooth

Fact: An implant is a metal screw made from a titanium-based medical alloy that is inserted into the jaw bone. If you draw an analogy with an ordinary tooth - then this is the root. By the way, their form is similar. The dental crown is installed on implant. That is an imitation of our teeth and the root.

Myth 2: It hurts to install dental implants

Fact: Installing an implant is not more painful than treating caries. It is enough to make local anesthesia and the patient will not feel anything. Of course, you can choose general anesthesia, but doctors go for it only as a last resort. For example, if a person wants to put several implants at once.

If one implant is installed, there is no sense in general anesthesia. After the anesthesia wears off, there can be some discomfort, of course. But in most cases, this pain is quite tolerable and does not require taking painkillers.

The fact is that the jaw bone in which the implant is installed, does not have nerve receptors, and therefore it cannot hurt. But the patient may be disturbed by discomfort from the stitches during a meal. But for the sake of health and beauty, this can be endured.

Myth 3: Implants often do not fuse properly

Fact: Implants are made from titanium. Our immune system takes this material without problems. Today, the success rate of dental implants is 98%. The terrible stories that dental implants are often rejected, appeared many years ago when this method just appeared.

Each case is individual, but overall, the risk that the tooth implant will not settle down is less than 2%. There are some contraindications for installing dental implants such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, and some diseases. For example, diabetes mellitus or hypertension. 

An important point for those who continue to worry: even if suddenly your body begins refuses to accept the implant, then it can be installed again. And one more nuance, if you are over forty years old, it may be worth examining bone density before getting implants. But you implant specialist will inform you of this. 

Myth 4: Implants make you feel uncomfortable

Fact: The implanted teeth are no different from normal ones. But the sensations are, indeed, slightly different. Dental implants withstand chewing loads well but are less sensitive than natural teeth. 

The period of getting used to dental crowns that are installed on implants usually takes from several hours to one or two days. Caring for artificial teeth is no more difficult than for your own. It is often recommended to add dental floss to toothpaste, brush, and rinse.

Myth 5: The installation of implants is long

Fact: The installation of one implant usually takes from 20 to 40 minutes. Then another two to four months for it to fully fuse. Do not be afraid, you wouldn’t live with “bare pieces of iron” in your mouth all this time. The dentist will make temporary dental crowns for you.

You have to understand that the installation itself will not take much time. But before it, you must go through a preliminary stage - consult a dentist and cure bad teeth if any. Several specialists will consult the patients before the procedure. And a plan of action is always prescribed to a person: what and in what sequence everything needs to be done.