Dental implant, also known as artificial implant, does not really mean implanting a natural tooth. In fact, dental implant is made into the shape of tooth root with pure titanium which is compatible with human bones, and then placed into the alveolar bone of the missing tooth. There are a lot of myths about dental implants in our daily life, which may generate adverse consequences and should therefore be prevented.

Myth 1: Dental implants can only be placed after all the diseased teeth are pulled out

Although dental implants have many advantages, you should seek other treatment (if any) first to preserve your natural teeth. Tooth extraction should be your last resort;

Myth 2: Teeth have fallen out. It is impossible to implant new teeth

Though part of alveolar bones may be resorbed after tooth falls out, the remaining alveolar bones or jaw bones can be still “implanted with titanium screw” as artificial root. Moreover, pure titanium is biocompatible with bone tissues. It can integrate with bone cells on the surface, contributing to the bone growth;

Myth 3: Dental implants = porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns on natural roots

Porcelain-fused-to-metal crown is medically known as "post and core crown" which is in the category of dental restoration, while dental implant belongs to the category of dental implantation. Besides, dental implant is applied when there’s no tooth root left, and an artificial root is required;

Myth 4: Dental implants can be done once and for all

The service life of a dental implant can be at least 10 years, depending on the user's using habits and protection methods. Normally the implanted titanium root is very stable and needs no replacement. But if the crown on the root is chipped, you should have it replaced;

Myth 5: One dental implant brings about a full mouth of implants

The dentists point out that the placement of a dental implant won’t force you to replace all missing teeth with dental implants. Elderly people who have lost multiple teeth only need a few dental implants to work as fixed supportive "anchor” for the whole set of denture;

Myth 6: It takes 3-6 months to complete dental implant procedure

Currently the dental implant procedure can be done in one visit. Previously it took 3 months to place the artificial root after removal of the diseased root, and another 3 months to get the crown on. At present, in some cases, the artificial root and crown can be placed immediately after the tooth is pulled out, shortening the time by 6 months;

Myth 7: Dental implant procedure is frightening

Dental implant procedure is actually a minor surgery, especially now it can be performed on a minimally-invasive basis with less postoperative bleeding and no swelling or pain. You can even have all the missing teeth replaced in one visit. It causes less pain and trauma than tooth extraction.