If you’re considering dental implants to restore your smile, it’s completely normal to wonder: Are dental implants safe?
Thanks to developments in modern dentistry, dental implants are now a common and very successful way to replace lost teeth. But safety is the first priority, just like with any medical treatment.
In this article, we’ll explain how dental implants work, what to check for before receiving one, and why, when done correctly, they’re frequently safer than not replacing lost teeth.
To assist you in determining if dental implants are the best option for you, we will also look into how common their problems are.
Table of Contents
How do dental implants work?
A dental implant body, a dental implant abutment, and maybe an abutment fixation screw make up a dental implant procedure. Instead of the tooth’s root, the dental implant body is surgically placed in the jawbone.
To support the connected artificial teeth, the dental implant abutment extends through the gums into the mouth and is usually attached to the implant body by the abutment fixation screw.
What To Consider Before Getting Dental Implants
In order to determine if you are a suitable candidate for dental implants, how long the healing process will take, and how long the implant may remain in place, it is crucial to consider your general health.
Find out the brand and type of dental implant system is being used by your dentist, and note this information for your records.
Smoking may have an impact on the healing process and reduce the implant’s long-term success.
You usually have a temporary abutment in place of the tooth while the implant body heals, which might take many months or more.
Discuss the possible advantages and disadvantages of dental implants as well as your eligibility for the treatment with your dentist before making your decision.
Are Dental Implants Safe?
The short answer to the question Are dental implants safe? Is that they are. Here’s what you need to know about the safety of dental implants:
Materials
The success rate of dental implants is approximately 100%. Their titanium structure is one of the main causes of this.
Your body’s bones accept titanium as if it were a naturally occurring material since it is very biocompatible, durable, and doesn’t irritate your gums or jaw.
There is no particular care needed for titanium implants. Your implants will continue to be reliable and secure for many years as long as you follow a routine dental hygiene.
The Procedure
From beginning to end, the dental implantation procedure is designed to maximize your comfort and convenience while ensuring your safety.
An expert periodontist performs a thorough dental examination before starting the procedure. They will capture 3D pictures of your teeth and mouth in addition to doing X-rays. They will also talk to you about your medical history.
For example, to reduce the risk of infection, certain patients with qualifying cardiac diseases require a course of antibiotics before undergoing dental implantation surgery. These precautions make the procedure very safe.
Minimally invasive
The process of receiving dental implants is quick and less intrusive. During outpatient surgery, a single implant may be placed in less than an hour. Only the jawbone and gums that are directly connected to the tooth replacement are affected. After that, patients are given plenty of time to recover completely before any more work is done. This minimizes the overall amount of stress on your body.
Long-Term Durability
Dental implants don’t break, corrode, move, or cause discomfort or harm to your mouth; they last for decades.
Additionally, they won’t cause irritation to your jaw, gums, or other teeth like dentures and other detachable prostheses do. This means that they don’t provide opportunities for harm, infection, or the entry of foreign objects into your blood or gums.
Getting Dental Implants Is Safer Than Not Getting Them
Not only are dental implants safe, but implants are also often safer than not getting them.
Going with missing teeth has very serious hazards, even though many patients are unaware of this. Dental implants assist patients in avoiding risks such as:
- Jawbone deterioration: Your jawbone starts to weaken around the location of the lost teeth when you lose them for whatever reason.
- Distributed Pressure: Every time you bite or chew when you have missing teeth, the pressure on the neighboring teeth is uneven and irregular. As a result, they may break, move, or deteriorate more quickly than usual.
How Common Are Complications From Dental Implants?
Your surgery is likely to be effective if you are in good general health. According to a 2022 study, 93% of implants lasted 20 years after the recipients had them.
The risk of problems and implant failure was greater for those with gum disease who did not practice appropriate gum care, according to the researchers.
If you smoke, you may be more likely to experience implant failure. According to a 2020 study, smokers are 140% more likely to fail than nonsmokers.
Read More: Dental Implants Risks and Complications.
Are Dental Implants Right for You?
Although dental implants are extremely safe, not everyone is a good candidate for them. Your body may find it difficult to recover from surgery or other medical procedures if you have certain pre-existing medical issues.
The following are some conditions or risk factors that might keep you from receiving dental implants:
- Cancer.
- Smoking.
- Having a pregnancy
- Having an active infection.
- Harm to the nerves in your mouth, gums, or face.
- Severe loss of bone.
- Diabetes.
Read More: Dental Implants vs Bridges.
Conclusion
So, are dental implants safe? The short answer is yes. The main things you should know before getting them are to plan ahead, maintain good oral hygiene, and consult a skilled dentist.
In addition to being a dependable and safe way to replace lost teeth, dental implants provide long-term advantages that go beyond appearances.
They can help maintain your jawbone, shield neighboring teeth, and give your smile its full functionality again.
While complications are rare and usually preventable, it’s important to weigh the risks, consider your personal health situation, and have an open conversation with your dentist.
Dental implants are a wise and secure option for a healthier, more self-assured smile for many people, since their benefits greatly exceed any potential drawbacks.
Read More: What To Eat After Dental Implants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a dental implant cause problems years later?
Even years after the treatment, infections can still develop around dental implants. Infections may result from poor dental hygiene, bacterial contamination during surgery, or pre-existing periodontal disease. These infections can lead to bone loss and implant failure if left untreated.
What is the safest tooth implant to get?
Ceramic and titanium implants are both safe, however, titanium is recommended because of its long history and biocompatibility.
At what age should you not get a tooth implant?
The good news is that dental implants may be placed at any age. The age at which dental implants can be placed is unlimited. The majority of implant placements are for elderly patients who have lost one or more teeth, are having trouble with dentures, or are seeking a more comfortable option.
