Smile Security: Are Dental Implants Safe?

Many experts consider dental implants the ideal way to rebuild your grin, regardless of how many natural teeth you have remaining. Whether you’ve lost one, several, or all your pearly whites, these prosthetics can be strategically placed in your jaw to anchor a lifelike restoration to close the gaps.

Although they’re usually stronger and more resilient than alternatives like dentures and dental bridges, they’re also the only option that involves oral surgery. As a result, many patients wonder whether they’re considered safe. Continue reading to learn more about it so you can make an informed decision!

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants include a titanium rod that’s embedded directly into your jawbone to function like a root. Eventually, your jaw produces enough new bone tissue to envelop and fuse with the metallic material, making it a permanent part of your smile.

As a result, these restorations tend to last longer and have fewer problems than other treatments, but that doesn’t mean they’re impervious to harm. Certain conditions or habits could lead to their failure.

Are Dental Implants Safe?

Plenty of people experience anxiety around dental work, especially when it involves a major procedure like replacing teeth. Thankfully, implants typically have a high success rate of 95% or more. That means you’re not likely to experience complications as long as a qualified professional places them. However, you must follow your provider’s post-op instructions to avoid issues during recovery because there are risks like any surgical procedure. Some potential dilemmas include:

• Infection. Bacteria in your mouth can penetrate the site and cause an infection that erodes the bone and connective tissues holding your new tooth in place.
• Nerve damage. A rod placed too closely to nerves in neighboring teeth or your jawbone can lead to aches and inflammation.
• Injury. Sometimes, there is additional damage to the surrounding structure, like other teeth or blood vessels.
• Sinus problems. Upper implants are prone to poking into sinus cavities which can require removal or a sinus lift.

How Can I Maintain My Implants?

Thankfully, keeping your restorations in good condition is easy! You can maintain them by:

• Implementing a routine. You should brush and floss twice daily to remove plaque and bacteria that contribute to cavities and gum disease that can impact your new tooth. Be careful not to damage the implant seal by flossing too deeply into your gum pocket.
• Watch what you eat. Avoid overly hard or sticky foods that could chip or break your prosthetic or yank it out of place.
• Don’t smoke. Tobacco products contain nicotine, which hinders your blood oxygen levels and flow. Your body can’t deliver essential nutrients to your teeth and gums, reducing their ability to fight potential infection.
• Schedule follow-ups. Seeing your dentist for a routine checkup and cleaning every six months allows them to monitor your condition so they can catch and address areas of concern before they worsen.

If you still have concerns about getting dental implants, the best way to address them directly is to consult your dentist. They will confirm whether you are healthy enough to safely undergo the procedure.

About the Practice

The dedicated team at The Smile Standard has been helping people of all ages build and maintain happy, healthy smiles for 30+ years! Today, Dr. Dabah and Dr. Hasan work together to provide a comprehensive menu of services to conveniently meet even the most unique needs under one roof, including dental implants. They prioritize patient comfort and take the time to get to know you so they can tailor treatment plans just for you. Then, they use state-of-the-art technology to provide comfortable, accurate results. They also place dental implants in the office, so you don’t have to seek an outside surgeon. You can request an appointment on the website or call (847) 882-8387.