Secure Solutions: Are Dental Implants Considered Safe?

Did you know that your teeth help support the foundation of your mouth? Each time you bite down, the roots stimulate new bone growth in your jaw to help keep it active and healthy. But when one or more goes missing, it starts to degenerate and can eventually become too frail to support your remaining teeth.

Dental implants are the only replacement teeth that are surgically placed in your jaw to function like roots, helping preserve your bone density and facial structure. But you’re not alone if you’re wondering how safe the procedure is. Continue reading to learn more about it!

Are Dental Implants Considered Safe?

Many experts consider these restorations the ideal way to rebuild smiles after tooth loss because of their many unique advantages. For instance, they’re embedded in your jaw and eventually fuse with the bone to become a more permanent part of your mouth, and are more resilient and tend to last longer as a result.

Not only that, but this treatment has an incredibly high success rate of 95% or higher, meaning most patients heal without complications, as long as the procedure is performed by a qualified professional and patients adhere to the provided aftercare instructions.

What are Some Risks of Getting Dental Implants?

Although dental implants can be incredibly safe for many patients, they involve oral surgery, which has a few risks that patients should be aware of before proceeding. Some potential complications can include:

• Infection at the site. Bacteria in your mouth can penetrate the wound and lead to peri-implantitis, the leading cause of failure.
• Nerve, bone, or tissue damage. Your new tooth can potentially affect the surrounding teeth, blood vessels, or nerves.
• Overcrowding. If the post of your prosthetic is positioned too closely to remaining teeth, it might push them out of alignment or cause discomfort.
• Sinus problems. Implants in the upper jaw must be carefully positioned to avoid poking into the sinus cavities.

Are Dental Implants Right for Me?

It’s natural to wonder whether you’re a good candidate for dental implants, but the only way to know for sure is to consult your dentist. They will update your medical history, list any current prescriptions or supplements that you take regularly, examine your teeth and gums, and measure your jawbone density to determine whether these lifelike replacements are right for you.

For instance, this procedure might not be recommended to those with certain health conditions, such as severe gum disease, uncontrolled diabetes, or weakened immune systems, which can hinder your body’s ability to recover effectively after surgery.

Although the dental implant procedure is usually highly successful, it does pose a few risks for specific patients. If you’re unsure whether this treatment is right for you, the best way to find out is to schedule a consultation with your provider!

Meet the Author

Dr. Alex Goodman takes pride in helping families in Columbia build and maintain beautiful,  healthy smiles. He earned his dental doctorate from the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry, and today, is committed to continuing his education by participating actively with the Tennessee Dental Association and the Millenium Study Club. He works with local experts to help ensure implants are placed accurately, then provides beautiful, lifelike restorations to help rebuild your mouth’s function and appearance. If you need to replace missing teeth, you can request an appointment on the website or call (931) 388-4315.