5 Common Myths About Dental Implants Busted

By Dr. Ibrahim Mirzoyev · Medically reviewed by Dr. Reji Moideen · 26/02/2025 · Dental Implants in Dubai

Plenty of people who would do well with a dental implant talk themselves out of it because of something they read or heard that simply is not true. Implants are one of the most predictable ways to replace a missing tooth, yet the same handful of myths keep coming up in our clinic in Dubai. Here are the five we hear most, and what actually happens in practice.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Ibrahim Mirzoyev, Specialist Implantologist at Mint Dental Care, Dubai.

Myth 1: Dental implants are painful and dangerous

The truth: placement is minimally invasive and, for most people, close to pain-free.

The thought of a metal post going into the jawbone sounds worse than it is. The implant is placed under local anaesthetic, so you do not feel the procedure itself, and sedation is there if you are nervous. Most patients are surprised by how little there is to recover from:

Local anaesthetic, and sedation if you want it, means little or no discomfort while the implant is placed.
Guided, keyhole techniques keep the disturbance to the gum and bone to a minimum.
Afterwards, most people manage with normal over-the-counter painkillers for a day or two.

Myth 2: Dental implants are only for older adults

The truth: they suit adults of any age, once the jaw has finished growing.

Implants are not just for people who have lost all their teeth. Anyone over roughly 18, with a fully grown jaw and healthy gums, can be a candidate:

Younger adults who have lost a tooth to a knock, a sports injury or decay.
Adults who would rather have a fixed tooth than a denture that comes in and out.
Older patients replacing one tooth or several.

What matters is the health of your gums and how much bone you have, not the number on your birth certificate.

Myth 3: Dental implants look fake and unnatural

The truth: a well-made implant is almost impossible to spot.

The crown on top is built for your mouth, not taken off a shelf:

It is matched to the shape, size and colour of the teeth beside it.
Porcelain and zirconia catch the light the same way real enamel does.
The join sits below the gum line, like a natural root, so there is no dark edge on show.

We plan the shape and shade with digital smile design before anything is fitted, so there are no surprises when the final tooth goes in.

Myth 4: Dental implants are too expensive

The truth: they cost more upfront, but usually less over time.

An implant does have a higher starting price than a bridge or a denture. The difference is what happens after that:

It can last a lifetime, while dentures and bridges are often redone every 5 to 10 years.
It protects the bone in the gap, which avoids more expensive treatment down the line.
There are no adhesives, soaking tablets or adjustments to keep paying for.

You can see typical ranges in our guide to the cost of dental implants in Dubai, and we offer payment plans to spread it out.

Myth 5: Dental implants need a lot of maintenance

The truth: you look after an implant exactly like a real tooth.

There is no special routine to learn:

Brush and floss it along with the rest of your teeth.
Keep up your normal check-ups and cleanings.
Go easy on smoking and sugar to keep the gums healthy.

No soaking, no adhesives, and nothing to take out at night.

So, are dental implants worth it?

Once you strip away the myths, implants are one of the safest and most reliable ways to replace a missing tooth, with plenty of real benefits beyond just closing the gap, and they are as close to a permanent fix as dentistry offers. If a particular worry has been holding you back, the best move is to ask about it directly rather than guess.

At Mint Dental Care our dental implant cases are planned and placed by specialist implantologists, with 3D scans and guided placement, a plan and quote built around your case, and payment options to keep it manageable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are dental implants safe?

Yes. Titanium implants have been used in dentistry for decades and have a long, well-studied track record, with success rates generally above 95%. The things that affect safety most are the health of your gums and bone and following the aftercare, all of which we check before starting.

How long does a dental implant take to heal?

The implant usually needs about three to four months to fuse with the bone before the final crown is fitted, though it varies from person to person. If a bone graft is needed first, allow longer. You are not left with a visible gap in the meantime, as a temporary tooth can be arranged.

Can I still get an implant if I lost the tooth years ago?

Often yes, but the bone in the gap can shrink over the years. If there is not enough left, a small graft rebuilds it first. A 3D scan shows exactly what is there before we plan anything.

Do dental implants set off airport metal detectors?

No. The titanium is non-magnetic and the amount is tiny, so implants do not trigger airport security scanners.