When it comes to dental implants, there are a lot of questions that come up for people looking into getting them. Are they safe? How long will they last? What are the risks? In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the safety of dental implants and what you can expect from this popular procedure. So whether you’re just starting to research dental implants or you’re already considering them, keep reading for some helpful information.
Are Dental Implants Safe?
Dental implants are an excellent option for replacing missing teeth and providing you with the opportunity to restore your beautiful smile. Technology has advanced significantly, and implant surgery has a high success rate, providing a good long-term prognosis without causing damage to surrounding teeth. Implant treatment is a permanent solution for replacing decayed, loose, cracked, or failing teeth.
Dental implants are non-toxic and rarely fail. Implants are made of a durable material called titanium, which is compatible with the human body. Moreover, it has a unique ability to osseointegrate or fuse with bone, which increases the likelihood of treatment success.
There are risks with every medical procedure, and dental implants are no exception. Nevertheless, because dental implant placement has been tested, evaluated, and improved over the past few years, common risks have been reduced, and dental implants are now 90% to 98% successful on average with proper maintenance.
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For the constantly rising senior population, implant treatment can be predictable and safe. Osseointegrated implant surgery is suitable for older adults who are medically stable and want to improve their oral function, comfort, and quality of life.
Can a Dental Implant Cause an Allergic Reaction?
Allergies to titanium may be thought to be uncommon, but they are a real concern that should not be neglected when treating patients requiring dental implants, as an allergy can cause a variety of symptoms.
Hives and lumps in the mouth, dry patches of gum tissue, gum inflammation around the implant, or swelling in the oral soft tissues are all common indications of a titanium allergy to a dental implant. It is best to determine any allergies or medical conditions that may affect the success of the surgery. Our dental clinic, Ashburton Dental Centre, takes the necessary measures to minimise potential risks and ensure the safety of each patient. Our dentist may recommend you undergo certain tests such as MELISA to determine any allergy reactions.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental Implants is a long-term solution
Prevents bone loss
Natural-looking replacement
Improved quality of life
No more cavities
Eliminated health risks common with missing or damaged teeth
Improving your oral health benefits your overall health as well. Dental implants contribute to a healthy mouth and the reduction of periodontal disease, which is caused by infection of the gums and bone. Periodontitis does not heal on its own and can cause heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, and other chronic diseases if left untreated.
In addition, a missing tooth can cause the adjacent teeth on each side of the gap to shift positions, resulting in tooth misalignment and other dental problems. Dental implants fill the gap, helping you to keep your smile straight and even. Dental implants will improve the health of your mouth, and hence your entire health and wellness, right away.
Can Anyone Get Dental Implants?
If you have a single tooth loss, several missing teeth, or have recently had a tooth extracted, then you may be a good candidate for dental implants. However, there are factors in determining whether this treatment is suitable for you.
People with comorbidities
Bone loss
A healthy and sufficient jawbone is required to receive a dental implant. Yet, if you lack the required amount of supporting bone for a dental implant, you may require a bone graft or a different dental implant. In areas of bone loss, a dental bone graft restores volume and density to your jaw.
Gum recession
Dental implants are designed to function like natural tooth roots and are attached directly to the jawbone and gums. Insufficient gum tissue can cause implant failure.
Suppose you want to receive dental implants despite gum recession, soft tissue augmentation may be an option. Donor gum tissue or artificial soft tissue grafts are used in these procedures to build up the gumline. Recovery period from soft tissue augmentation takes a few months, but if successful, it restores the gumline and makes dental implants a possible alternative.
How to Take Care of Your Dental Implants?
Taking care of your implants is crucial so they can last a lifetime and aid in improving oral health.
Here are some tips on maintaining dental implants:
- Avoid smoking or using tobacco products.
- Although you can enjoy a wide variety of foods with less restriction, we still recommend watching your frequent consumption of sticky and hard foods as they have the potential to weaken the structure of the implant.
- Take a calcium supplement or eat calcium-rich foods such as milk, cheese, yogurt, kale, and sardines.
- Brush your teeth twice daily and use a soft-bristle toothbrush.
- Use non-abrasive toothpaste.
- Brush around and under your implant crown.
- To clean areas that are hard to reach, use a nylon-coated interdental brush.
- Make flossing a habit.
What are the Possible Risks with Dental Implants?
You must be aware that implants are a complex surgical procedure with several phases that must be successfully completed for the implant to be completely integrated. Since healing from surgery can take up to six months, it is critical that you follow the treatment plan recommended by the dentist, along with all check-ups and appointments.
The following conditions are possible risks with dental implants:
- Risk of infection
- Possible nerve damage at the implant site.
- Inflammation
Factors that May Lead to Implant Failure
Good health is one of the best predictors of successful implant surgery. Conditions such as the following may make it more difficult and increase the chance of an implant failure:
Allergies, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases
Individuals who have rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes heal more slowly, which can prevent an implant from merging with the jawbone.
Medications
You should discuss your medications with the dentist, since certain medicines may conflict with the fusing of the dental implant to the jawbone. For example, heartburn medications interfere with calcium processing and may impair the ability of the jawbone to recover around the implant screw.
Tobacco use
Nicotine reduces blood flow to the gums, delaying healing and contributing to gum tissue inflammation around implants. Tobacco users had a 20% failure rate for implants.
Head or neck radiation and chemotherapy
These treatments have the potential to damage the bone structure and shorten the lifespan of an implant.
Bruxism
Signs of Failed Implants
Allergic reaction
If you are allergic to titanium alloy, a metal used in some dental implants, you may experience a reaction. An allergy can cause swelling, loss of taste, and possibly a tingling feeling.
Inform your dentist about your titanium allergy. You’ll need an implant made of a different substance.
Loosen implant
When bone fails to form correctly around an implant, the main symptom is usually mobility. The movement may be little at first and only noticeable by a dentist, but an implant that has failed to integrate will feel unsteady and may move when you eat or talk.
Other common signs of failed implants are the following:
- Swelling and gum inflammation,
- Tissue loss
- Gum recession
- Frequent bleeding around the implant site.
- Persistent pain when chewing.
Final Thoughts
Dental implants are a complex procedure that requires multiple appointments to complete the treatment. It is supported by studies to be safe and effective in replacing missing teeth or extracted teeth.
It offers advantages such as improved oral health, prevents bone loss, replaces tooth roots, and functions just like your natural teeth. But it does come with some risks, like nerve damage and infection.
For best results, make sure you practice good dental hygiene at home and attend regular dental checkups.
Contact our team of dentists at (08) 9516-1003 today to learn more about how Ashburton Dental Centre can help you get that smile back on your face!
Disclaimer – Use At Your Own Risk :- The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as advice for any individual case or situation. Any action you take upon the information on these blogs are strictly at your own risk. We will not be liable for any losses or damages in connection with the use of the information from these blogs.
