Dental Implants: 5 Concerns—and What's Really Behind Them
In my practice, dental implants are the topic that patients most often bring up with a half-finished sentence: “I’d like to get an implant, but…”
But I smoke. But I don't have enough. But I'm too old for this. But I'm scared. But I've heard it doesn't last.
I regularly encounter these five concerns during consultations at my practice on Ludwigstraße in Offenbach. And almost every time we take a closer look at them together, they disappear—or at least lose enough weight that an implant becomes a viable option again. I’m Dr. Alessja Indin, a dentist and the owner of the practice in Offenbach-Westend—and I’d like to explain here what’s really behind them.
Table of Contents
If you smoke, you can't get a dental implant—is that true?
Smoking is a risk factor for implant placement. This is medically accurate and is openly discussed during the consultation. Nicotine reduces blood flow to the tissues and can impair osseointegration—the process by which the implant fuses with the bone. Statistically, smokers have a higher risk of healing problems.
But a risk factor is not a criterion for exclusion.
What happens in practice is honest, concrete counseling—about what smoking means during the healing phase and what most patients end up doing.
— Dr. med. dent. Alessja Indin, owner of the Dr. Indin & Team dental practice in Offenbach am Main"Most smokers cut back or take a break when you really explain the facts to them. Not because I demand it, but because they then understand what it's all about."
Anyone who is willing to take this seriously can get an implant. And the guarantee still applies: If an implant does not integrate, the treatment will be repeated free of charge—even for smokers.
Not enough bone for an implant—now what?
That's the most common objection that comes up during counseling. And it's also the one that's most often resolved.
If a tooth is missing for a long time, the jawbone begins to resorb. This is a natural process—the bone no longer receives any mechanical stimulation. This resorption can be accelerated following periodontitis or a difficult extraction. Many patients come in saying, “I was told there isn’t enough bone.” And they think that means there’s no hope.
In many cases, bone augmentation is a standard preliminary step before implant placement—not an exceptional procedure, but a preparatory step.
In the upper jaw, an internal sinus lift is used in cases of vertical bone deficiency: Bone substitute material is inserted into the maxillary sinus through the implant site itself—without making an incision in the face, making it significantly less invasive than the external procedure. For horizontal bone deficiency, the bone-split procedure is effective.
The waiting period between tooth extraction and implant placement is typically three months. Sometimes it’s longer if bone grafting is necessary. But it’s a process—not a final verdict.
Getting a dental implant at 70—is it worth it?
There is no upper age limit for dental implants.
What matters is the patient’s overall health: Is the bone structure adequate? Is oral health stable? Are there any systemic diseases that need to be taken into account? These questions apply just as much to a 45-year-old as to a 72-year-old. Age itself is not a determining factor.
Dental implants in older adults are not an exception. They are a well-considered choice for chewing function, bone preservation, and quality of life. An implant protects the jawbone from further resorption and fits just like a natural tooth—this is just as relevant at age 70 as it is at age 50. What sometimes changes is the personal cost-benefit analysis. The best way to determine whether it’s worth it is to discuss it in person.
The procedure scares me
This is not an objection that should be dismissed. Fear of oral surgery is common and understandable.
What Really Happens During Dental Implant Surgery: The procedure usually takes less than an hour and is performed under local anesthesia. What surprises many patients is that pain during the procedure is rare. What you feel is pressure—not pain. In the days following the procedure, mild swelling may occur, but it subsides quickly.
Patients with dental anxiety make up a significant portion of the patient base at the Ludwigstraße practice. They regularly report that this is the first time they’ve been able to truly relax at a dental office. No time pressure, no pressure to buy—and a detailed explanation before anything begins.
— Dr. med. dent. Alessja Indin, owner of the Dr. Indin & Team dental practice in Offenbach am Main“I explain everything before I begin. Not so that patients have to agree—but so they can come to terms with it. Anyone who knows what to expect doesn’t need sedation. They just need peace and time.”
Implants don't last—and are even said to be carcinogenic
Both claims are circulating online. Both deserve an honest assessment.
Regarding durability: Long-term studies show success rates of over 95 percent after ten years. This makes dental implants among the most durable restorations in modern dentistry. What truly determines durability is the combination of planning, the implant system, surgical precision, and post-operative care. An implant that does not fit properly is almost always a planning issue—not a material issue.
On the subject of carcinogenicity: There is no credible scientific evidence that titanium implants cause cancer. Titanium is one of the most biocompatible materials available and has been used in medicine for decades—in hip replacements, pacemakers, and bone screws. For titanium implants, the practice relies on systems from Straumann as well as the Dentsply Sirona OmniTaper EV. Those who prefer a metal-free alternative can opt for zirconia ceramic implants—manufactured by SDS (Swiss Dental Solutions).
Here’s the deal: peri-implantitis—an inflammation around a fully integrated implant that can lead to problems if proper aftercare is lacking. This is not a myth—it can be largely prevented through good oral hygiene and regular checkups. The drawbacks of implants should be openly discussed during the consultation—and that’s exactly what happens at Dr. Indin’s practice.
— Dr. med. dent. Alessja Indin, owner of the Dr. Indin & Team dental practice in Offenbach am Main“An implant that doesn’t last isn’t the patient’s fault. It’s a shared responsibility—and I take full responsibility for it. The treatment will be repeated at no cost. No questions asked.”
Most reasons for hesitation aren't really reasons at all
That doesn't mean an implant is right for everyone. There are situations where an honest "no" is the right answer—and that's exactly what we give. But the question of whether it's possible deserves a genuine answer. Not a blanket "no" based on an old examination, not a statement based on hearsay.
If you have any questions, you can discuss them during a relaxed initial consultation at our dental practice in Offenbach—located at Ludwigstraße 34—with no obligation and no time pressure. All further information about the treatment, the procedure, and the costs can be found on the Dental Implants page.
Schedule an appointment—at your convenience, with no obligation
If you're wondering whether any of the five reasons apply to your own situation, you can find out during a relaxed initial consultation. Questions can remain unanswered—and in this practice, they will.
The practice of Dr. Alessja Indin & Team is located at Ludwigstraße 34 in Offenbach-Westend—easily accessible to patients from Offenbach, Frankfurt, and the entire Rhine-Main region. If you’re looking for a dentist in Offenbach who specializes in implantology and is committed to providing comprehensive, personalized care, you’ve come to the right place.
To schedule an appointment, call 069-881313 or visit the website.
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