facts and myths about dental implants
dental implants are often seen as a golden solution for many patients to eliminate discomfort and the feeling of shame. they contribute to a healthy and beautiful smile by filling gaps in our dentition, improving self-esteem, and building confidence. despite implantology being a highly advanced field in restoring the natural appearance of our teeth, there are still many myths circulating about it, introducing fear into our thinking. let’s explore some of the biggest ones.
myth no. 1 – getting a dental implant is painful
modern treatment methods contribute to painless visits to the dental office. implant placement is carried out after administering anesthesia to the patient, making the implantation procedure itself virtually painless. after the procedure, there may be some swelling of the gums, which does not hinder daily functioning.
myth no. 2 – after dental implant placement, an allergic reaction occurs
the material used for dental implants is pure titanium. it is biocompatible with the human body and does not cause allergic reactions.
myth no. 3 – after tooth extraction, it’s not possible to place a dental implant
the longer the gap between tooth loss and dental implantation, the greater the risk of being unable to place an implant due to bone resorption. missing teeth are not only an aesthetic concern but can have negative consequences, such as teeth shifting, the development of bite problems, or overloading remaining teeth, leading to wear and instability.
myth no. 4 – older individuals should not have dental implants placed
in the field of implantology, age is not as significant. the overall health of the patient, the condition of their bones, jaw, and jawbone play a more crucial role.
myth no. 5 – after getting a dental implant, there is no need to maintain oral hygiene
dental implants should be cared for just like natural teeth. they are intended to serve us for a lifetime, so it is even more crucial to monitor their condition through regular visits to our dentist.
myth no. 6 – after getting a dental implant, there’s no need to use dental floss
food residues accumulating between teeth and implants contribute to the development of gum inflammation and can be an obstacle to the integration of implants with the bone. it is necessary to floss teeth just like natural ones or use an irrigator to remove food deposits from the interdental spaces.
myth no. 7 – tartar and dental plaque do not accumulate on implants
nothing could be further from the truth – crowns placed on implants are just as susceptible to plaque and tartar buildup as natural teeth. in addition to daily care, it is important to undergo professional dental hygiene procedures performed by a qualified hygienist every six months or more frequently, depending on individual needs.
myth no. 8 – it is not allowed to clean implants using an electric toothbrush
an electric toothbrush is highly effective in daily oral hygiene, and it can be safely used after dental implants are placed. it is advisable to wait until the gums heal and the implant integrates with the bone after the recent implantation before using it.