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Common Myths About Dental Implants: What You Need to Know

Uncover the truth about dental implants with insights from Calgary SW dental experts


Halloween themed paper craft with tooth wearing a witch hat, spiders, bat, skeleton hand, and eyeball on purple background

Dental implants are artificial roots that support your jaw structure to renew your smile and give you back the confidence you once had. Your dentist in Calgary’s SW offers this service when you have one or more missing teeth or are unable or unwilling to have dentures. Implants take several months to complete but can give you results that last a lifetime.

What is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is an artificial structure that acts as the root of your tooth. It is surgically placed in your jawbone to anchor an artificial tooth or bridge.

The Myths that Surround Dental Implants

Whether you are getting full-mouth dental implants, a multiple-tooth implant, or a single-tooth implant, there are many myths about the process.  It is important to differentiate reality from hearsay so you can be fully prepared for the treatment.

  • Myth 1: The Process is Extremely Painful – Getting a dental implant is never an extremely painful treatment. During the procedure, there is little to no pain thanks to anesthesia and modern dental techniques. Additionally, any pain you may experience during the recovery period is minimized with the help of prescribed medications.
  • Myth 2: Everyone Will Know – You may worry that dental implants will cause your smile to look unnatural. Custom-made artificial teeth are made to match the shape, size, and colour of your natural teeth. This allows for the ideal blending within your oral cavity.
  • Myth 3: High Risk of Failure – The success rate of dental implants is extremely high. You can look forward to a 98% successful outcome as long as you take proper care of them and get the work done by a Certified dentist. How well your new implants perform is also reliant upon oral hygiene and your overall health.  A dentist in Calgary’s SW can provide you with implants that last a lifetime.
  • Myth 4: Dental Implants Are Only for the Elderly – When you think of someone with little to no teeth, you tend to think of older people. Though many elders lose their teeth, young people can too, due to injury or infection. Any adult with a fully developed jawbone can get dental implants to bring back a well-rounded smile. This procedure will work just as well at any stage of life.
  • Myth 5 – A Strict Diet Forever – During the recovery period you will need to stick to soft foods until your mouth and jaw have healed. Afterwards, it’s business as usual and you can eat anything you want. It is advised to stay away from extremely hard or sticky foods as these can damage your implants and require repairs.
Dentist in gloves showing a patient a dental implant component
  • Myth 6 – Dental Implants Are an Impossibility – Once you’ve had dentures, you may think you are out of the running for dental implants. This is untrue. The evolution of dentistry has made it possible for you to transition to dental implants after wearing dentures. Bone grafting can help restore jawbone density if required, aiding in the process of securing the implants. In fact, people who have worn dentures have stated that dental implants improve their quality of life.
  • Myth 7 – Dental Implants Are Too Expensive – The initial cost of dental implants is pricey, yes, but in the long run the benefits outweigh the cost. Dental implants last a lifetime with proper care, whereas dentures and bridges need to be replaced after about 5-10 years. There are always finance options available to help you with your dental needs. Ask your dentist if they provide payment plans or see if implant treatment is covered by your insurance provider.
  • Myth 8 – Special Treatment is Needed – Thinking you will have more to care for with dental implants is wrong. You can treat your dental implants just as you would your regular teeth, brushing and flossing like normal, no special tools required.

Why You May Want Dental Implants

Dental implants can be a positive addition to your life. Implants give support to your surrounding teeth, filling in gaps that could lead to shifting and infection. You can likely say goodbye to these worries by replacing your missing or damaged teeth with dental implants. You will also be able to show off your natural beauty without worrying about your facial structure changing. When you have missing teeth, there is more chance of a sunken-looking face over time due to the loss of bone when there are no teeth to support it.

Ready? Dental Implants Are Here!

Implants from your dentist in Calgary’s SW can help you prevent future oral maladies and give you a reason to rejuvenate your smile. Keep your teeth, gums, and entire body healthy with dental check-ups, and cleanings, and ask your dentist if dental implants are a good option for you. At Glenbrook Dental, we are here for you every step of your dental journey. Oral health is our primary focus.