Are Dental Implants Safe? They have been a highly successful dental procedure offered by dentists around the world. As a matter of fact a well planned dental implant will have success rate over 98%. As dental implants technology has evolved materials and techniques have advanced as well. Below we will attempt to answer the question….Are Dental Implants Safe?
Are Dental Implants Safe? Benefits
–Esthetics. Dental implants have the ability to give you a fuller, healthier smile you have always dreamed of.
–Peace Of Mind. Living your life in fear of what you can and cannot eat is not a fun proposition. Dental implants can give you peace of mind that you can eat whatever you want and not worry about the social implications. Millions of patients have proven the answer is yes to the question are dental implants safe?
–Improved Function. Big improvement in eating and speech. With missing teeth, eating and speaking can be quite a challenge. For those who enjoy eating or need to speak in front of others implants can give a huge boost.
–Eliminate Health Issues. Clinical studies have shown a direct link between dental health and overall health. Implants can restore your mouth to a healthy state giving you an edge in maintaining overall health. Uncontrolled dental health can lead to the development and advancement of periodontal disease.
This disease is quite progressive and if left untreated it can lead to cardiovascular disease (heart attacks and stroke), Alzheimer’s disease, and even diabetes. Once patients are ready for implants, their mouth must be in a healthy state. Dental implants will lead to better overall health.
–Life Quality Improvement. Dental implants give you a natural looking smile and improve overall function. This is especially true for wearers of dentures. Dental implants will allow you to free yourself of the use of denture adhesives and relieve you of discomfort from ill fitting dentures.
–Increased Self Esteem and Self Confidence. This includes being able to smile effortlessly without fear. Dental implants look and feel just like real teeth. You can laugh, smile, and just feel good about who you are and the
way you look.
Risks
–Dental Implants Fail To Integrate. When dental implants heal properly they integrate with the surrounding bone (this is called osseointegration). If osseointegration does not occur it will lead to dental implant failure. A well trained implant dentist will be able to evaluate and treatment plan properly to minimize the risks associated with dental implants. If a dental implant does not integrate as planned it can be removed. Once the area has healed another surgery can be attempted at a later date.
–Surgical Infection. Of all the risks associated with dental implants this is the most common. This can occur from non sterile intruments, a dental implant that has been contaminated, decreased healing ability, or a pre existing infection being present. Dental implants are associated with a condition called Peri-Implantitis. This is an inflammation or swelling of the surrounding tissues where the dental implant was placed.
If peri-implantitis is not treated properly and in a timely manner it can lead to implant failure and bone loss. These infections generally occur quickly after surgery but can in some rare intances occur months to years after surgery. Important to have your dental implants evaluated during routine dental examinations 2x per year.
–Post Surgical Bleeding. Minimal bleeding following surgery is normal and is considered quite normal for about 1-2 days following surgery. Placing a gauze pad placed over the surgical area for 30 minutes should normally stop the bleeding. Bleeding beyond that time is not normal and you should notify your implant dentist immediately if you have concerns about your dental implants or the surgery.
–Surrounding Tissue Damage. Placement of implants is a precise surgery. Surrounding areas can be damaged including adjacent teeth, sinus cavity, or nerves. Once again choose your implant dentist wisely. One with experience and proper training will minimize these risks. Even the most skilled implant dentist can have errors. However, the complications can be minimized as well as how they are handled if complications were to arise.
–Allergies. Some patients have been known to have allergic reactions to titanium. If you know you are allergic
to titanium let your dentist know during initial discussions.
-Dental Implant Corrosion. Titanium dental implants are designed to fight corrosion but it still can happen. If corrosion were to happen the dental implant likely would need to be removed. Your implant dentist will evaluate what comes next if this were to happen.
Bone Grafts
A bone graft is the replacement or addition to the bone around the teeth. Bone grafting is a term used to describe a variety of procedures used to add or build bone so that implants can be placed and give greater success long term. A bone graft typically involves adding bone or bone like materials to the jaw.
The bone graft can consist of your own bone (also called Autologous bone), synthetic bone, can be processed bone obtained from a cadaver (also called Allograft), or can even come from bovine/cow sources (these types are also called Xenografts). After grafting, you generally have to wait several months for the grafted material to fuse or become one with the existing bone structure. Processed bone grafted materials either cause surrounding bone to grow into the graft or cause cells around the graft to change into bone. Autologous bone transplants bone cells or a block of bone that fuses to the jaw.
Dental bone grafts for the purpose of dental implants has a very high success rate. But there is always a possibility that the bone graft will not work as planned, even if your own bone was used. Bone grafts are not rejected by the body like organ transplants. There is still some mystery as to why some bone grafts fail. We do know that certain patients (example – smokers, diabetics, and patients with poor dental hygiene) have higher risks of graft failure. A failed bone graft will need to be removed. Once the area has healed properly, you and your dentist may choose to place a second bone graft.
Diabetes
According to a clinical study by the Journal of the American Dental Association, implants have been found to be safe for diabetics. The clinical study observed dental patients with uncontrolled diabetes who also had dental implants. Following one year,
none of the dental implants were lost and they found zero connection between elevated blood sugar and dental implant complications.
This does not mean that if you are a diabetic, you will not experience implant complications. But having diabetes should not be a major concern for you or your dentist in regards to getting a dental implant.
Conclusion
Dental Implants have proven to safe with decades of dental use. The question should not be are dental implants safe? but are implants right for me? Ask your dentist 89014 today for a consultation to restore your smile!
If you are ready for a smile makeover, contact Marielaina Perrone DDS at (702) 458-2929 to schedule a no cost cosmetic consultation appointment. We cannot wait to help you with your smile makeover to create the smile of your dreams in Summerlin, Henderson, and Las Vegas, NV.
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