Many people are concerned about the safety of dental implants – and it’s a valid concern. Dental implants are a major investment, both in terms of time and money, so it’s important to know that they will be safe and good for oral health.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the safety aspect of dental implants as an option for tooth loss and what you can do should you encounter dental implant problems. We’ll also talk about some of the risks associated with dental implant surgery.
We hope that the information contained here can help you make an informed decision about whether or not dental implants are right for you. Keep reading to learn more!
What Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a small titanium post that is placed into the jawbone to serve as a replacement for a missing tooth. They offer several advantages over other dental prosthetics. They are designed to fuse with the bone, providing a strong and stable foundation for artificial teeth.
A dental implant is made up of three parts:
- The implant itself:
A small post made of titanium that is inserted into the jawbone. - The abutment:
A connector piece that attaches the implant to the crown. - The dental prosthetic:
An artificial tooth made from porcelain or ceramic that fits atop the abutment and is affixed in place. This could either be a dental crown, denture, or dental bridge.
Dental implants are much less likely to experience problems such as decay or infection, and they can last for many years with proper care, contributing to good oral health.
If you are considering dental implants, consult an experienced dentist to determine if they are the right option for you.
What Are the Possible Complications of Dental Implant Surgery?
Dental implant surgery is a relatively safe procedure. However, as with any surgery, there is always a risk of complications. These can include:
- Infection:
This is perhaps the most common complication associated with oral surgery. The mouth is full of bacteria, and when an invasive procedure such as dental implant surgery is performed, there is a risk that these bacteria will enter the surgical site and cause an infection. Signs of infection include redness, swelling, and pain at the implant site. - Nerve damage:
Another potential complication of dental implant surgery is nerve damage. The dentist performing the dental implant procedure must be very careful to avoid damaging the nerves that run through the jawbone. If nerve damage does occur, the patient will experience numbness, tingling, or pain in the lips, gums, teeth, or chin. - Dental implant failure:
In some cases, dental implants may simply fail to fuse with the jawbone causing gum recession. This can be due to several factors, including poor bone quality, insufficient bone density, or inadequate blood supply to the area. An implant must be removed and replaced if it fails to fuse properly. - Sinus problems:
Another complication that can occur with dental implants is sinus problems. The upper jaw bone is very close to the sinus cavity, and if the implant protrudes into these spaces, it can cause discomfort and problems with sinus drainage. - Damage to adjacent teeth:
If the implant is not placed correctly, it can cause damage to adjacent teeth by pushing them out of alignment. This can lead to further dental problems and may require orthodontic treatment to correct. - Implant rejection:
In rare cases, foreign body rejection can occur. What happens is that the body may reject the implant, which can be quite serious and require the removal of the implant.
It’s important to be aware of the possible complications before undergoing dental implant surgery. Ask your oral surgeon if you have concerns.
How Are the Complications of Dental Implant Surgery Managed?
Dental implant problems are rare, but they can occur. In most cases, dental implant complications can be managed with antibiotics or other medications.
Mild pain or discomfort is expected, but an ice pack and over-the-counter pain medications can help. A diet modification is needed, where patients are advised to eat only soft foods.
In case of major complications, dental implants may need to be removed by an oral surgeon.
Is Dental Implant Surgery a Life-Threatening Procedure?
Dental implant surgery is not a life-threatening procedure, but potential dental implant problems could arise. However, these dental implant problems are usually minor and can be easily treated by a dental professional.
Additionally, the safety of dental implants has been well-documented and proven to be a safe and effective treatment option for missing teeth.
We encourage you to consult a dental professional to discuss your specific needs and concerns if you are considering dental implants.
What Are the Long-Term Problems of Dental Implants?
The most common long-term problem is peri-implantitis, an inflammation of the tissue around the implant. If left untreated, peri-implantitis can lead to bone loss and eventually cause the implant to fail.
Another long-term complication is nerve damage. This can happen due to improper placement. If the implant is placed too close to a nerve or if there’s damage to the surrounding teeth during the implant surgery.
In rare cases, metal toxicity can also occur, resulting in neurological problems.
Who Should Not Get Dental Implants?
However, they are not suitable for everyone. Certain circumstances can make dental implants unsafe. The following patients should not get dental implants:
- Those diagnosed with health issues such as diabetes, cancer, autoimmune diseases, and osteoporosis
- Those who are heavy smokers, as smoking can restrict blood flow to the gums, which slows down the healing process
- Those who have undergone radiation therapy to the head or neck area
- Those with active gum disease or gum infection
- Those who cannot commit to good oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist
Talk to your dentist about your medical history as well your current state of health prior to getting dental implants.
Are Dental Implants Safe?
When it comes to your teeth, you want to be sure that you’re taking care of them in the best way possible. That’s why when it comes to dental implants, you might be wondering: are dental implants safe? Let’s take a look at the safety of dental implants so that you can make the right decision for your smile.
Dental implants are considered one of the safest and most effective dental procedures available today. In fact, they have a success rate of up to 90-95%.
The main problems associated with dental implants are the risk of infection and damage to the surrounding teeth. However, these risks can be minimised by choosing an experienced implant dentist, practising good oral hygiene, and following your dentist’s instructions.
So, if you’re considering dental implants, there’s no need to worry about safety. While every person has different recovery times, tooth implants are a safe and effective option for replacement teeth.
Final Thoughts
Dental implants provide a long-lasting, natural-looking solution for missing teeth. They are incredibly durable and long-lasting, and the success rate is very high. Dental implants may be right for you if you’re looking for a safe and reliable way to replace missing teeth.
If you are considering dental implants as an option for replacing missing teeth, we encourage you to book a consultation appointment with Clear Choice Dental. Our dental team of experienced professionals will work with you to determine if dental implants are the right solution for you.
We offer a variety of financing options to make implant treatment affordable. Don’t wait – call us today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Dental implants replace missing teeth and provide many benefits. Benefits include:
- Improved aesthetics
- Better chewing ability
- Improved speech clarity
- Stability for the adjacent teeth
- Preservation of facial structure by preserving the bone in the jaw area
- Natural-looking result
- The durability of the titanium screw
The good news is that dental implants are designed to be a long-term solution for missing teeth. In fact, the lifespan of dental implants is often longer than the lifespan of natural teeth. This is because dental implants are made from materials that are resistant to wear and tear.
Additionally, dental implants are not susceptible to tooth decay or gum disease. As long as you take care of your implants, they should continue functioning like your natural teeth.
How long dental implants last depends on several factors, including:
- The quality of the implant materials
- The health of the surrounding teeth
- How well do you take care of your metal implants
In general, however, dental implants have a high success rate and can last for a long time.
Dental implants are worth considering if you’re looking for a tooth replacement option that will give you a high chance of longevity.
Your dentist may sometimes recommend additional procedures, such as bone grafting or a sinus lift before you can get dental implants. This helps to make sure that your jaw bone is strong enough to hold the implant in place.
Bone grafting involves taking a small amount of bone from another area of your body and transplanting it into the jaw, where the implant will be placed. A bone graft may be necessary if your jaw bone has deteriorated due to missing teeth or disease.
It is important to note that bone grafting can add to the overall cost of getting dental implants. However, this additional step can help with the success and longevity of your implant, making it well worth the extra expense.
For many people, the answer is a resounding yes. Dental implants provide a long-lasting solution to missing teeth, improving function and aesthetics. Plus, when properly cared for, they can last for decades with minimal maintenance required.
