Are dental implants really safe? You may be asking this question if you’re considering your best tooth replacement options. Implants have become the tooth replacement method of choice for many dentists because of their many advantages.
But are dental implants safe for everyone? Are there situations where a dentist shouldn’t use a dental implant?
We have all the answers in this blog post, so settle down for the read.
What are the benefits of dental implants?
As we’ve already mentioned above, implants have become the go-to treatment for missing, broken, or heavily decayed teeth.
Why is this?
Dental implants are one of the most reliable procedures with a 95% success rate. Moreover, implants offer advantages that other tooth replacement options, such as dentures and bridges, do not. Namely,
- Appearance – Implants bear an uncanny resemblance to natural teeth
- Comfort – Because implants are anchored securely into the jawbone, there is no chafing of soft tissues as can happen with dentures
- Speech – No need to worry about unsteady bridges or loose dentures causing slurred speech and embarrassment
- Oral health – Implants put a halt to bone loss and encourage the growth of healthy bone. Furthermore, implants negate the need for healthy teeth to be modified to support them, as with dental bridges
- Youthful appearance – Implants close the gaps and fill out the cheeks and lips to give a younger appearance both now and in the years to come
We want our patients to receive the very best results from their treatment, which is why we recommend dental implants over bridges and dentures. This leads nicely into the question of, are dental implants safe for everyone?
Who can have dental implants?
For over 50 years, dentists have safely and successfully fitted dental implants into patients’ mouths in good oral care and physical health.
There are a few conditions, however, that could prevent the immediate use of implants, including:
- Active periodontal disease (gum disease)
- Pre-existing chronic diseases like heart disease or diabetes
- Insufficient jawbone to hold the implant in place
However, these conditions don’t rule out a patient from having dental implant surgery entirely.
- If gum disease is a problem, the dentist can treat this before going ahead with the dental implant procedure
- If you have a pre-existing chronic disease, we will consult closely with your doctor to reach a decision
- If you lack sufficient bone to secure the implant, we can often use a bone graft to generate more bone tissue
That said, there are a few circumstances where a patient would be advised not to undergo the dental implant procedure.
Who should not have dental implants?
Some people with metal allergies
Implants are made from titanium and a small proportion of other metal alloys. While titanium is biocompatible for most people, some are sensitive to nickel, zinc, and copper. In this case, your dentist may recommend an alternative dental solution to replace your teeth.
Also, people with metal dental fillings can find they negatively react with titanium. Your dentist can determine if these other metals prevent you from having dental implants.
Heavy smokers
If you are a heavy smoker and unwilling to stop during the dental implant procedure, implants are not a good treatment. Smoking restricts the blood vessels and inhibits the supply of oxygen. As a result, the blood flows slower to the site, and healing takes longer. Sometimes the bone fusion necessary for a successful outcome fails to take place.
Those who have heart conditions or chronic disease
Let’s not forget that getting dental implants requires a short surgical procedure. It may not be ideal therefore for those with extreme heart conditions to be placed in a state of anaesthesia. If in doubt, seek advice from your doctor.
So is the dental implant treatment procedure safe?
Dental implant surgery is necessary for anyone wishing to have implants. Our dentists are highly experienced and have successfully placed hundreds of implants, so rest assured you are in safe hands.
We take a full mouth x-ray (OPG) of your teeth, jawbone and surrounding structures to determine if you are a suitable candidate for implants and create a tailored treatment plan.
Our dentist uses a surgical guide for accurate and precise implant placement to avoid nerves and blood vessels and enhance implant stability and longevity.
Meticulous planning before surgery provides a shorter, safer, and more comfortable experience for patients.
We also ask patients to attend regular follow-up appointments during the recovery period to monitor healing and check that osseointegration or bone fusion is going as planned.
Once the implant has stabilised, it’s time to fit the abutment and dental crown to complete the restoration. As multiple steps are necessary for dental implants, patients can expect their treatment to take between 6 and 9 months.
So, are dental implants safe?
With an experienced dental team and high-quality materials, the answer is yes. Absolutely!
If you’d like to find out more about dental implants and whether they are a suitable treatment for you, why not schedule a consultation with the experienced dental team at My Local Dentists. We offer a free consultation and discount for seniors.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.