Five dental implant myths that deserve to be retired

Dental implants have been in routine use for over four decades, yet the same misconceptions stop patients from replacing missing teeth every week in my clinic. Let’s address the five I hear most.

Myth 1: “Implant surgery is very painful”

Placing a single implant is typically less uncomfortable than the extraction that preceded it. The procedure is done under local anaesthesia and most patients are surprised by how uneventful it feels. Expect mild soreness for a day or two, managed with ordinary painkillers.

Myth 2: “I’m too old for implants”

There is no upper age limit. Bone healing is slightly slower with age, but success rates in healthy 70-year-olds are excellent. What matters is overall health and medication history — not the year on your birth certificate.

Myth 3: “Diabetics can’t have implants”

Uncontrolled diabetes is a problem; well-controlled diabetes is not. If your HbA1c is in a reasonable range, implant success rates are close to those of non-diabetics. We simply plan more carefully and follow up more closely.

Myth 4: “Implants need to be replaced every few years”

A well-placed, well-maintained implant routinely lasts decades — many of the earliest implant patients from the 1980s still have theirs. The crown on top may need replacement after 10–15 years of wear, but the implant itself usually doesn’t.

Myth 5: “It’s just screwing in a tooth — anyone can do it”

The difference between a good and a poor implant outcome is planning: bone assessment on a CBCT scan, correct three-dimensional positioning, and managing the gum around it. Ask who is placing your implant, what their surgical training is, and whether a CBCT was taken. You’re entitled to those answers.

Thinking about replacing a missing tooth? A consultation and scan will give you a clear picture of your options — including, sometimes, the honest advice that a conventional bridge suits you better.