12 common myths about dental implants

Dental implants have come a long way since their inception, and have changed the procedures, the materials used, the techniques... For example, technological advances have made it possible to reduce the time of intervention and recovery, with minimally invasive surgeries that involve minimal discomfort for the patient.

Even so, there are many myths and false beliefs surrounding the immediate loading implantology that cause many people to not decide to consult their dentist about this intervention. This prevents them from improving the state of their oral health and their quality of life in general.

For this reason, we wanted to collect the most common myths and explain what is true and what is legendary.

1. «Implants are often rejected, since they are a foreign element to the bone.” This is not true: The implants are made of a commercially "pure" titanium alloy. It is a bioinert metal —it does not react to contact with living tissues or cells— that does not produce rejection, but on the contrary, it integrates into the bone thanks to natural biological healing processes. Therefore, the term rechazo, attributed to organ transplants, is wrong when we talk about implants. If we want to describe the process in which the implant fails to join the bone, we will talk about failure of integration or osseointegration. Even if an implant fails, it will always be possible to place it again, and in this case it will be essential to find the factors that have caused this failure in order to control them.
2. «Implants are not aesthetic.» Fear that they will look different from the rest of the teeth in color and shape, that the titanium will blacken and be visible... But all this is no longer the case: nowadays implants are indistinguishable from natural teeth, and new materials They are durable and do not deteriorate over time. In addition, materials such as zirconium can be used in the visible part of the prosthetic part, thus achieving a very exact imitation of the natural tooth.
3. «Implants cannot be placed if I have no bone.» Although each case is different, nowadays 3D reconstruction techniques allow surgery to be carried out virtually, and to anticipate and solve problems such as lack of bone. Even tissue regeneration techniques are applied when necessary, such as autologous membranes —derived from the body itself— rich in growth factors and leukocytes, which accelerate and consolidate tissue healing processes.
4. «Implants increase the risk of gum inflammation.» Diseases that cause inflammation of the gums, such as gingivitis and periodontitis, have other causes, but they are not caused by implants. The patient with gum problems must take into account that these must be controlled before placing the implants, and that once placed, regular check-ups must be carried out to control the factors that predispose to peri-implant diseases —inflammation of the mucosa that surrounds the implant.
5. «If you have any systemic disease, you cannot get implants.» Anyone with such a condition, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease, can get implants. You just have to have it controlled and stabilized. There is a type of systemic disease, osteoporosis, which sometimes requires pharmacological treatment based on bisphosphonates. This family of drugs can sometimes cause serious bone disorders. It is mandatory to consult a professional before placing the implants if you are taking this medication.
6. «Implants are not a lasting solution.» On the contrary, if it is carried out with the guarantee of using good materials, by a good specialist, and proper oral care is carried out, dental implants can last a lifetime.
7. «Implants are only for seniors.» Although it is older people who usually lose teeth and replace them with implants, anyone who has finished their bone growth (between the ages of 17 and 19 approximately) may need an implant. In young adults, the most common is that it is due to a loss of a dental piece due to trauma.
8. «Implants do not require specific care.» Dental implants feel and look like natural teeth, but still require specific care to prevent possible problems. Following some simple tips, it is possible to keep both the implants and oral health in general in perfect condition.
9. «Any dentist can put dental implants.» This is not only a myth, but it is a dangerous myth. The professional who carries out this intervention must have a minimum experience determined by the difficulty of each case. There is no doubt that implant treatment is a specialized treatment that involves several disciplines, including surgery and prosthetics. A single professional will hardly be able to reach the maximum specialization of all of them, although he will sometimes be able to solve the simplest cases, or at least those to the extent of his experience.
10. «Implants sound airport control.» The materials used in implantology are not detected by airport scanners or other facilities, so they do not pose any problem.
11. «Dental implants are very expensive.» In fact, considering that they are amortized over a lifetime and with the financing options that are offered, they often pay out much more than other treatments. In addition, they are not only more beneficial for oral health, but also improve aesthetics and functionality, and improve confidence and self-esteem.

«Getting implants is a long and painful process.» Nothing is further from reality! With all the advances that have been made in this field, immediate loading implantology allows you to enjoy new teeth in just 24 hours, and with a process that is practically painless, since the incisions are minimal thanks to guided surgery. In addition, relaxation techniques such as the 3D glasses or intravenous sedation if necessary.