When it comes to replacing missing teeth, dental implants have long been considered the gold standard; they’re fully capable of restoring lost teeth in terms of look, feel, and functionality! However, if you have gaps in your smile that you need filled, you might be wondering if implants are just as safe as they are effective. Fortunately, they’re completely safe for most patients in good health! Here’s what your dentist wants you to know about dental implants and why they’re considered quite reliable.
What Exactly Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are among one of the many available tooth replacement solutions out there, but no other options can measure up to their incredible efficacy and durability. They consist of titanium posts that are surgically embedded into the jawbone, where they fuse with the bone and mimic the roots of your natural teeth.
Once the post(s) have bonded with the bone, a lifelike restoration is placed on top of the post that effectively replaces the missing tooth/teeth. Patients with dental implants can experience many positive oral health benefits including improved speech and appearance, increased chewing power, and unmatched durability—the implants can last for decades if properly cared for.
Are Dental Implants Safe?
The short answer here is yes, dental implants are safe to receive! Even though the process for receiving dental implants might seem a little daunting, it’s absolutely nothing you need to worry about. It’s worth mentioning that only patients with sufficient oral health are eligible for dental implants, meaning that if there are any complications that might negatively affect your implants (gum disease, insufficient bone density, etc.), they’ll be treated beforehand. Also, all oral surgeries inherently carry a small risk of bleeding disorders, infections, and allergic reactions, but due to the care and precautions that’ll be taken by your dental team, every effort will be made to ensure your safety and comfort.
What Might Compromise My Dental Implants?
Unfortunately, dental implants are still susceptible to problems despite their impressive success rate of over 95%. There are a few things you should be wary of, as they might cause problems for you and your implants:
- Autoimmune diseases, such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, can slow healing and prevent your implants from properly fusing with your jawbone.
- Certain medications can suppress the body’s immune system or affect bone health, which can negatively impact osseointegration (the fusion between the implants and jawbone).
- Poor oral hygiene can lead to all kinds of problems that might impact your implants, such as periodontitis (gum disease).
- Bone loss can lead to a weaker jawbone that’s not able to fully integrate your implants.
- Bad oral habits like smoking and using tobacco greatly increases the risk of implant failure, as well as other oral health issues.
The bottom line is that dental implants are totally safe to receive, and the better your oral health is, the less likely you are to experience a complication!
About the Practice
The team at Oral & Facial Surgery Center of Virginia is honored to serve patients and families in the Dumfries, VA area. The practice offers a wide range of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative options including dental implants. If you have any questions about dental implants or would like to schedule a consultation, feel free to contact the practice online or by phone for assistance: (703) 574-4717.