Implant surgery is considered a safe and predictable procedure, with success rates of up to 98% in healthy patients. All surgeries carry some degree of risk, and dental implant surgery is no exception. When you visit a dentist that offers consultation, they will evaluate your risk factors, and advise you on the most effective replacement solution for your tooth loss. In this article, we will look at some of the risk factors associated with getting a dental implant and answer the question ‘are tooth implants safe’.
Are Tooth Implants Safe? Some Important Considerations
Titanium implants are used most frequently in implant dentistry. They have been in use since 1981, and for good reasons. Very few patients experience adverse reactions to them. They are biocompatible and integrate well with bone. They are also durable and lightweight, making them an excellent choice for tooth replacement. A dental implant made from titanium carries a very low risk of failure and, with good oral care, may last for decades.
Possible Risks Associated With Dental Implant Surgery
When you get a dental consultation near you, you will give your dentist a full medication history as well as details about medications you may be taking. This is important because not everyone is a safe candidate for a dental implant.
In order to be considered for dental implant surgery, you should
- Be in generally good health
- Be an adult with a fully developed jaw
- Have strong, healthy gums
- Have a good amount of strong, thick jawbone or be willing to have a bone graft
- Not suffer from any conditions that interfere with your body’s ability to heal
- Be a non-smoker.
Are Tooth Implants Safe: Risks Associated With A Dental Implant Procedure
Most of the risks associated with getting a dental implant can be managed before and during your dental implant surgery. Working with a skilled and experienced dental practitioner can mitigate many of these potential issues.
Safety considerations during dental implant surgery include
- Damage to adjacent teeth, surrounding soft tissue, or blood vessels
- Puncturing a sinus if the dental implant is placed in the upper jaw.
Dental Implant Failure
Titanium implants only have a clinical failure rate of 2 to 5%, which is statistically low and makes them safe. Failure could occur if the dental implant does not osseointegrate with your jaw, or if you develop an infection. An overloaded or improperly placed dental implant could also fail, which shows how crucial good planning and working with an experienced dental practitioner is. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene, which includes regular visits to your dentist, can help you to avoid infection at the dental implant site.
How Effective Are Tooth Implants?
Dental implants offer a safe and permanent solution for missing teeth. They enable you to chew with comfort and speak confidently. They do not require special care or maintenance, other than daily flossing and brushing. Once your implant has integrated with your jaw and your soft tissues have healed, your implanted tooth should feel, look and function just like your natural teeth.
Unlike other tooth replacements, implants can prevent bone loss in your jaw. While the dental crown is the component you see above your gum line, the implant is actually a small metal screw that functions as artificial tooth roots. It stimulates the jawbone below it, preventing bone resorption.
By replacing missing teeth, you keep the other teeth in your arch stable and prevent them from drifting. When you have gaps in your smile, the other teeth will shift to fill them in, loosening and potentially falling out. Getting implants preserves your jaw and soft tissue and can keep your other teeth healthy.
Are Dental Implants Worth The Investment?
When dental implants are placed in healthy adults with well-managed risk factors, they are a permanent and effective way to replace missing teeth. Dentures need to be replaced every five to ten years because of changes to the jaw and soft tissue that take place in the absence of tooth roots. False teeth are not as stable, and it may take you some time to get used to eating and speaking with them. They also need special care to maintain and cause irritation to your gums.
A dental implant is as close to a natural tooth as possible. When you get a consultation at your local dental clinic, your dentist will assess if you are a potential candidate.
To find out more about the tooth implant process or to book a consultation, please contact us at (02) 8203 8760.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Dental Implants
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-implants
Dental Implants: What You Should Know
https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/dental-devices/dental-implants-what-you-should-know
What problems can occur after dental implant surgery?
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/dental-implants-problems
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When you ignore oral health, bacteria in the plaque will build up near the gums and cause gum disease. For instance, a common sign of dental implant problems is bleeding of the surrounding gum tissue.