Dental implants: the facts behind five common myths

A dental implant is a small post placed in the jawbone. Once it has healed, it holds a crown, a bridge or a denture. These are five things people often hear about implants, and what is true.

Myth 1: Having an implant fitted is painful

The area is numbed with local anaesthetic before anything starts, so you should feel pressure but not pain while the implant is placed. If you are nervous, tell your dentist beforehand and they will talk you through each step.

Afterwards it is normal for the area to feel sore or swollen for a few days. Your dentist will tell you what to expect and how to look after it while it heals.

Myth 2: Implants cost too much to be worth it

An implant costs more at the start than a bridge or a denture. Whether it is worth it for you depends on how many teeth are missing, the health of your mouth and what matters most to you.

A single implant with a crown is from £2,500 (see the full private fee list). The first step is a consultation, currently £50 (usually £150). If you decide to explore treatment, the CBCT 3D scan of your jaw is £150 (usually £200). Your dentist uses the scan to plan the treatment and gives you a written cost before you decide.

Treatment costing £350 or more may be eligible for finance arranged with Chrysalis Finance. Finance is subject to status and affordability. Read how finance works.

Myth 3: You cannot eat normally with implants

While the implant heals, you will be asked to keep to softer food and to avoid chewing on that side. Your dentist will tell you for how long.

Once treatment is finished, teeth held by implants are fixed in place, so most people go back to eating the foods they enjoy. As with natural teeth, it is wise not to crack nuts or bite very hard things with them.

Myth 4: Implants need special care

You look after an implant much as you would a natural tooth. Brush twice a day, clean between your teeth and keep up your check-ups and hygiene visits. Your dentist or hygienist will show you how to clean around it.

Regular visits matter, because healthy gums are what keep an implant healthy.

Myth 5: Implants fail or fall out after a few years

With good care, implants can last many years. No treatment can be promised to last a lifetime, and the crown on top may need replacing at some point, just as a crown on a natural tooth can.

Smoking and gum disease make problems more likely. That is why your dentist checks your gums and general health before treatment, and asks whether you smoke.

Is an implant right for you?

That depends on your gums, the bone in your jaw and your general health. Your dentist will check it suits you at the assessment. Results vary from person to person. Implant treatment involves surgery and carries some risk, which your dentist will go through with you.

Read more about dental implants, single tooth implants and full mouth dental implants.