Are Dental Implants Safe? Here’s What You Need to Know

Most people say that the one pain you can’t ignore is that of an aching tooth. Whether you like it or not, you’ll have to visit the dentist eventually. If you’re lucky, all you might need is routine cleaning, a root canal or an extraction.

Teeth serve multiple purposes; they’re functional, and play a major role in your overall look. Losing a tooth or teeth is a horrifying process because you cannot grow another one. Dental implants will provide a perfect replacement, but the one recurring question is “are dental implants safe?”

We’ll answer this question and much more in our article below.

What Are Dental Implants?

When you lose your tooth, a dentist can give you an artificial tooth root as a replacement. It’s a surgical procedure, but the result is preferable to dentures or bridgework. The dentist will ensure that the implant fuses with the bone so that you get good crown support.

The implant is compatible with your jaw, and the final look will be so real, that no one will realize you have an implant.

There’re two types of dental implants; –

• Endosteal where the dentist places the implant into the bone
• Subperiosteal where the implant is on the bone

Dental implant cost will vary depending on several factors, including; the number of teeth, implant material (metal or bone-like ceramic), type of bridge, among others. Do note though; many insurance plans may not cover the implant. Talk to your provider to avoid any nasty surprises.

Benefits of Dental Implants

According to the American Dental Association, more than 5.5 million Americans have dental implants. There’re various reasons why they have become so popular, and these include:-

• They’re stable in the mouth and will not move around like dentures
• Forget about the glass of water by the bedside for your dentures. You’ll not need to remove them to clean or sleep
• You don’t lose any tooth structure, and they will not affect the other healthy teeth
• You get to preserve your jawbone, and the shape of your face, because they help prevent teeth shifting
• They’re an excellent alternative to a missing tooth or teeth
• You’ll not undergo any difficulties when chewing, or speaking because they’re like real teeth

Tooth Implants Problems

Implants are an excellent option for replacing lost teeth, but like everything else, they have their downside. Let’s explore this in a little more detail.

Complications

Implant surgical procedures come with their complications. You may suffer from infections, cavity injuries, bleeding, among others. Some people will complain about problems with the implant even after ten years.

Time

The process is long; you need six months for the metal screw to fuse with your jaw bone before the actual tooth placement.

Price

You may have to incur additional costs depending on your health conditions. Those with osteoporosis may require bone grafting. The process is costly.

Who Can Get Tooth Implants?

Anyone with healthy gums, sufficient bone support, and general good health are great candidates for teeth implants. Implants are also great for people who may not want to wear dentures.

There’re certain conditions that may make it risky for you to get implants. If you suffer from leukemia, diabetes or any other chronic disease which may slow the healing process, you may not qualify. Smokers are also not good candidates.

Are Dental Implants safe?

Many patients will not experience any side effects of dental implants, but some of the things that may occur include: –

• Infections during and after the procedure
• Damage to other teeth, as well as the blood vessels
• Nerve damage which could result in extreme pain or numbness 
• The natural teeth may also tingle which can be very unpleasant
• Some patients experience problems with their sinuses if there’s an intrusion of the implant into the sinus cavity

What Is the Implantation Process Like?

You’ll need to visit several specialists, including oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Other specialists who will need to review you include dentists, periodontist, prosthodontist, and ENT specialists. You need a thorough examination because you’ll need to undergo more than one surgical procedure.

You’ll have x-rays, 3D images, and models of the jaw and teeth. You need to be very open with your doctor and disclose information such as what medications you are on. Also, make sure you let the doctor know if you have any heart conditions or orthopedic implants.

The dentist will then come up with a treatment plan depending on how many teeth you are replacing, and the condition of your jaw bone. The surgical procedure occurs under general or local anesthesia. You may want to take the day off from work so that you can relax afterward.

There’re many stages you’ll have to go through including:-

• The removal of the damaged tooth
• Preparation of the jawbone, which could include grafting
• Replacement of the implant
• Growth and healing of the bone
• Placement of the abutment
• The placement of the artificial tooth; removable or fixed.

In some situations, the bone may not fuse with the metal. It could be due to the general health of the individual and whether or not they smoke. In this case, the dentist will remove the implant, clean the bone, and advise you to wait three months before you try again.

What to Need to Do After Implantation

To avoid any dental implants problems, maintain good oral hygiene, schedule visits to your dentist, and take good care of your teeth. Avoid hard items that can damage your teeth, such as hard candy or bones. If you have a habit of grinding your teeth, get help for that.

Ready to Bring Back That Smile

Losing your teeth can cause a lot of anguish. Consider getting implants as a replacement for the lost tooth. You’ll need to dedicate quite a bit of time to the process, but the results are well worth it. Another safe affordable option to get an amazing smile are getting clear braces. Contact Miami Invisalign for more information.

One question we get over and over again is,” are dental implants safe?” Yes, they are.

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