If you've lost teeth, your dentist might have suggested getting dental implants. This likely has you asking, "Are dental implants safe?"
Dental implants are a great option for replacing missing teeth. The process takes several months because your jawbone and oral tissues need time to heal between each stage. As with any dental procedure, there are potential complications and risks involved.
Let's explore the safety of this procedure, the potential pros and cons of implants, and situations where this procedure might not be safe for you.
Dental implants are tiny titanium posts that substitute for the roots of missing teeth. An abutment, or connector, is attached to the implant to hold a custom-made replacement tooth called a crown.
These implants, usually made of titanium, provide a sturdy base for artificial teeth, including crowns, bridges, or dentures.
For most people, dental implants are a very safe and straightforward option for replacing a missing tooth. If you have good oral health, your dentist will likely recommend the implant procedure for you.
Dental implants have a high success rate, with 90-95% of implants still functioning well after ten years. In short, implants are a safe and reliable long-term solution for tooth replacement when done by skilled dental professionals.
While dental implants have become one of the most popular alternatives for replacing missing teeth, there might be certain cases where your dentist might deem dental implants unsafe for you.
Here are a few.
The dental implant procedure requires you to be in good overall health, including oral health. If you have uncontrolled diabetes, heart disease, or other systemic conditions that hinder healing, this procedure may not be safe for you.
Your jawbone will be the foundation for supporting the implant post. If you have advanced gum disease or have suffered from significant bone loss, you may need to consider alternative treatments before opting for implants.
Patients under 18 with developing facial bones are usually not considered suitable candidates. This is because the implants may not fit correctly as the jaw continues to grow.
Dental implants enhance your facial appearance by preserving the structure of your jaw and preventing bone loss. This helps to avoid facial changes that can occur from missing teeth, boosting your confidence.
Your smile is often the first thing people notice. One of the major benefits of dental implants is the increased confidence in your smile. The natural look and feel of the implants can enhance your emotional well-being and encourage more social interactions.
Missing teeth can slowly decline your jawbone health over time due to a lack of stimulation. Implants mimic the function of your tooth root by stimulating the jawbone, which helps maintain its integrity, prevent bone loss, and preserve facial structure over time.
Dental implants fully restore your ability to chew and provide clear speech, enabling you to lead a normal, active life.
A missing tooth can cause surrounding teeth to shift, leading to overcrowding and misalignment. Dental implants help prevent adjacent teeth from moving into the empty space, preserving proper alignment and improving overall oral health.
Knowing why are dental implants safe or not quite is crucial to understanding the reasons behind the risks this procedure involves.
Like any surgery, there's a slight risk of infection at the implant site, in the surrounding gum tissue, or in the supporting bone. After your implant procedure, if you experience any of the following:
Contact your dentist immediately, as all of the above symptoms could indicate an infection near the implant site.
In some cases, your body may reject the implant, resulting in implant failure, where the implant does not function properly. Implant failure can occur due to several factors, including:
Peri-implantitis is a type of gum disease specifically related to dental implants. It is similar to regular gum disease and is associated with poor health and oral hygiene. Peri-implantitis can lead to bone loss, severe infection, and bleeding gums, increasing the risk of implant failure.
Although rare, sinus problems can arise with dental implants and may cause complications. If the implant penetrates the sinus cavity, it can lead to discomfort or infection.
There is a small risk of damaging the facial and gum nerves during the dental implant procedure. The nerves near the implant site are exposed and vulnerable during the procedure, increasing the risk of damage unless a qualified professional performs the procedure.
To conclude, dental implants are generally safe, but it's crucial that you weigh the risks and benefits based on your specific medical history. Before choosing a dental implant procedure, consider your overall health, oral condition, and lifestyle habits.
The question "Are dental implants safe for you?" can only be answered by a qualified dentist after an initial consultation. If the procedure isn't deemed safe, your dental team can suggest alternative options to replace your missing teeth.
You can book an appointment with Dental Arts of Florida to find out if dental implants are safe for you. We can also suggest alternatives if you are not an eligible candidate for the procedure.
Dental implants are safe for most people, but those with certain medical conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes or other systemic conditions, may face higher risks. A dentist can assess your health to determine if implants are a suitable option.
Dental implants have a high success rate, with 90-95% of implants functioning well after ten years. Success depends on factors like overall health, oral hygiene, and avoiding habits like smoking.
Yes, habits like smoking and consuming excessive alcohol can impair healing, increasing the risk of implant failure.
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