Myth 1: Implants often fail and are too risky.
Dental implants successfully integrate with the bone in more than 90% of the cases. 96% success rates are not uncommon. In those few cases, where an implant becomes loose, your oral surgeon will remove the implant and place a new one to achieve better integration with the bone. We have yet to experience a patient whereby the replacement implant has failed. Almost anyone that has lost a tooth, several teeth or even all their teeth, is an ideal candidate for dental implants. There are very few situations in which dental implants are not indicated. In fact, the dental profession is undergoing a great transition, in that regular restorative dental bridges, partial and full dentures are starting to be considered obsolete, to be used only as an alternative to the effective treatment of dental implant supported restorative dentistry.
Myth 2: Implant treatment is too painful.
The implant placement procedure, as with any other oral surgery procedure, can result in some post-operative pain. However, many implant patients comment that they were surprised at how minimal the pain and discomfort following the treatment was. If patients are particularly anxious about treatment it can be performed under sedation. Once the implants are placed, the new teeth are attached to the implants and do not rest on your gums, thus avoiding aggravating the surgical site. This results in less pain than traditional dentures or other treatment approaches and a shorter duration of discomfort.
Myth 3: I am not healthy enough for dental implants.
The only thing to stand in the way of dental implant treatment in the elderly, is general medical health. There are few medical conditions that can preclude treatment. However, it is surprising how few medical conditions restrict the provision of dental implant treatment.
Myth 4: Implants are still experimental.
In 1952, professor Branemark of Sweden, conducted an experiment where he utilised a titanium implant. At the conclusion of the experiment, he discovered that the bone had integrated completely with the implant. Modern day implantology was invented in 1965 when Branemark treated Larrson, a patient who was missing teeth due to severe chin and jaw deformities. Larrson and was the first person in the world to receive titanium dental implants. After years of careful research and studies, dental implants were refined with a high success rate. There is now new evidence of patients who have had implant retained teeth in place for more than 40 years.
Dental implants have come a long way, and more than 1.7 million dental implants were placed in 2006. With more than with almost 60 years of clinical research and an overall success rate of about 96%, dental implants are frequently the best treatment option for the replacement of missing teeth.
Myth 5: I have been told I do not have enough bone.
A thorough dental examination, which will include a 3D CT scan will be required to determine the existing bone levels. The CT scan is a very expensive bit of kit and there are only a handful of dental practices (such as ours) who have one on-site. Chances are your dentist will not have one and its vital a scan is done prior to implant placement. This tells us how much bone you have. Without it, it is impossible to tell, and there are some untrained dentists who make comments like, “you don’t have enough bone for implants”. This is untrue and even if it was true, bone can be built up easily by experienced surgeons.
Myth 6: Permanent teeth in one day are not possible.
This is incorrect and we have treated thousands of patients at our clinic with this advanced procedure. All patients will require an initial consultation assessment appointment prior to the procedure but once a treatment plan has been agreed, the procedure itself can be completed in just one day. You arrive in the morning and first see the implantologist. If extractions are required, the surgeon removes these teeth and then places the implants.
During the implant placement our on-site dental laboratory will complete the construction of your new teeth. The dentist then fits the new teeth on the implants and makes the final adjustments to ensure your bite is right and your smile is beautiful. Once your teeth are in place, you will be given instructions on aftercare and will be sent home with all hygiene products and medications as part of the treatment to help with any discomfort that you may incur. Most people need a day or so to completely recover from the procedure before returning to full schedule of activities.
Myth 7: I am too old for implants.
Age is not a factor for the success of dental implant treatment. Bone healing around dental implants occurs in patients from the 6th to the 10th decade of life, with almost equal success rates to younger patients. In fact, we have treated plenty of patients over the age of 90, including practice owner, Dr Amin’s grandmother who was 94 at the time.
Myth 8: I cannot afford dental implants.
Implants have dropped in price over the years to a much more affordable level. Plus, there are finance options available if needed, so you can spread the cost of treatment.
Myth 9: I am not missing out on anything by wearing dentures.
The force you can apply whilst chewing is much greater if you have dental implants compared to adventure alone this force can be around 10 times less in patients with dentures compared to implants.
Myth 10: Dental Implants look fake.
When done correctly, nobody should know that you have had dental implants. The actual implant is buried underneath the gum, so should not be visible, and the false tooth is joined onto it. The false tooth is made from a fully ceramic material and should be indistinguishable from a normal tooth.
