Dental Implant Myths: 7 Common Misconceptions Explained

Dental implants are one of the most reliable and natural-looking ways to replace missing teeth yet they’re also surrounded by confusion. If you’ve been researching implants online, speaking to friends, or comparing treatment options in different countries, you’ve probably come across information that feels contradictory or outdated.

This guide clears up the most common dental implant myths so you can understand what’s true, what’s false, and what really matters when deciding whether implants are right for you.

Myth 1: “Dental implants are extremely painful.”

Fact: Most patients describe the procedure as surprisingly comfortable.
Dental implants are placed under local anaesthetic, and many patients compare the sensation to a simple tooth extraction. After the procedure, mild soreness is common for a few days, but it’s usually manageable with standard pain relief.

Modern techniques, including guided surgery and minimally invasive approaches reduce trauma and speed up recovery. We offer guided surgery to maximise the quality of the treatment and also offer comforts to help patients feel at ease including an understanding team, noise cancelling headphones, Netflix, weighted blanket, and aromatic smells. General anaesthetic can be offered when booked far enough in advance where a specialist would come to the clinic, but this is not required in most cases.

Myth 2: “Implants always require months of waiting before placement.”

Fact: Sometimes patients can receive immediate implants, depending on bone quality and the type of tooth being replaced.

There are three typical scenarios:

1. Immediate placement – implant placed the same day the tooth is removed.

2. Early placement – after 4–8 weeks of healing.

3. Delayed placement – after full healing (3–6 months).
   

Your dentist will recommend the safest option based on your specific case.

Myth 3: “Dental implants don’t last long.”

Fact: Implants and crowns can last decades when properly cared for.

Implants have a long-term success rate of 95–98% in healthy patients. Like natural teeth, they need:

• daily brushing and flossing

• regular hygiene appointments

• monitoring to make sure gums stay healthy
  

Most implant issues come from gum disease or poor maintenance, not because the implant itself “fails.” It is important to understand that like teeth, they must be cared for.

Myth 4: “Implants look fake and unnatural.”

Fact: Modern crowns are designed to look incredibly natural.

With today’s materials and digital design tools, dentists can match:

• shade

• translucency

• shape

• size

• characterisation to your existing teeth.
  
  A well-designed crown blends so well that most people cannot distinguish it from neighbouring teeth. That is why we only work with the top labs on the island that have a solid record.
  

Myth 5: “Implants are only for older people.”

Fact: Implants are suitable for adults of many ages, from young adults to seniors. A consultation with an implant surgeon is a must to understand if they are the best option for you.

Younger patients often get implants due to:

• sports injuries

• accidents

• missing adult teeth

• Post extraction
  

Older patients benefit from replacing worn, failing, or missing teeth with stable fixed solutions.
The key factor is health, not age. Dra. Alaa can help you understand what treatment is best for you.

Myth 6: “Implants abroad are lower quality than implants in the UK or Ireland.”

Fact: Many European clinics, including those in Spain, use the same implant brands, materials, and sterilisation standards as the UK and Ireland. At Clínica Dental Raíces, we use Straumann implants. The Swiss made Straumann implant is the market leader and most trusted and recognised implant brand on the market. We also work with Bioner implants which are a Spanish brand and also offers high quality and trusted implants and a more economic price but without compromising on quality. Patient should always ask about the impant brand being used because there are lower quality cheaper options offered by some clinics where the price is very attractive but the quality not as high.

Spain follows strict EU medical and sterilisation regulations. The main difference between countries is often cost structure, not quality.
Lower operational costs allow Spanish clinics to offer high-quality care at more accessible prices.

For expats or visitors comparing treatment options, the important questions are:

• Which implant brand is used?

• Is a 3D scan included in the planning?

• What aftercare is provided?

• How experienced is the implant dentist?
  

Where the clinic is located is less important than how the treatment is performed.

Myth 7: “Any dentist can place implants in the same way.”

Fact: Implant dentistry varies enormously between clinics.

Quality depends on:

• the brand of implant

• diagnostic tools (panoramic vs 3D CBCT imaging)

• planning software

• surgeon’s experience

• Guided surgery Vs non-guided surgery

• availability of bone grafting when needed

• the quality of the final crown

• follow-up protocols
  

Well-planned implant treatments involve detailed digital planning, proper case selection, and high-quality materials not just the surgical placement.

Understanding the facts helps you make confident decisions

Whether you live in Tenerife or you’re visiting from abroad, knowing the truth behind common implant myths can help you feel more informed, less anxious, and better prepared. Dental implants are one of the most predictable, long-lasting, and natural ways to restore your smile, and understanding how they actually work is the first step.

If you’re considering implants, the most helpful next action is a personalised assessment that evaluates your bone, gum health, and the options suitable for your smile.