Tooth loss can detract from your daily life in several ways. You might struggle to eat or speak, or develop anxiety that you’ll be judged for the changes to your appearance. Fortunately, your dentist can restore your smile with lifelike dental implants, which many experts consider the gold standard of replacing teeth.
However, you might avoid this procedure if you’re scared it might be harmful. Continue reading to learn more about the safety of dental implants and what to expect from this treatment!
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are the only replacement teeth that are placed directly into your jawbone, giving them added strength and stability over alternatives, like dentures or bridges. They include a support rod inserted into your jaw that eventually fuses with the bone material to become a more permanent part of your mouth.
Once your gums have healed sufficiently, this pole is capped with a dental crown or other appropriate restoration, depending on how many teeth you’ve lost, to close the space(s) in your smile. This is usually made from resilient ceramic that can be customized to be the right shape, color, and size to match your natural enamel seamlessly.
Is the Dental Implant Procedure Safe?
This treatment involves oral surgery, leading many patients to question how safe the process is. It may set your mind at ease to know that implants have an incredibly high success rate of over 90%. That means that you’re unlikely to develop complications or experience failure as long as a qualified professional places them and you follow their post-operative instructions carefully.
However, that doesn’t mean everyone is automatically a good candidate for this procedure. Your dentist will update your medical history and examine your mouth to ensure no pre-existing conditions interfere.
Who Should Avoid Getting Dental Implants?
Although this treatment is successful more often than not, you’ll need to consult your provider to ensure it won’t harm your oral and overall health. This is partly because certain conditions, such as cavities and gum disease, can potentially compromise your implant and lead to its failure.
But your dentist also will want to ensure they don’t offer medications or perform a procedure that might be dangerous to your general well-being. For instance, if you have osteoporosis, you’re more likely to experience failure and might require an additional bone graft procedure first.
Also, if you are pregnant, your provider might recommend waiting until after delivery to avoid potential risks to you and your unborn child.
If you’re still unsure whether you can safely get dental implants, the best way to find out is to schedule a consultation with your dentist!
Meet the Author
Dr. J.D. Robison enjoys helping patients in Canton build and maintain their healthiest, most beautiful smiles. He studied at Purdue University, the University of Michigan, and the University of Detroit Mercy, as well as completing ongoing educational courses with the Dawson Center for Advanced Dental Studies. Today, he offers a comprehensive menu of services to meet all your needs, including dental implants. He partners with local experts to ensure accurate placement, then provides lifelike restorations meant to last. You can request an appointment on the website or call (734) 453-6320.