Any time you lose a tooth it is important to replace it so that the surrounding teeth are supported. Otherwise, you could find yourself dealing with bigger oral health concerns in the future. Today, more and more people are turning toward dental implants making them the gold standard in tooth replacement.
But even as many begin to reap the benefits, both in functionality and in appearance, it can leave some patients asking - are dental implants safe?
What Exactly Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are tooth replacements that look and function like real teeth. They start by placing a titanium post, often referred to as an artificial root, into the jaw bone. This post will fuse with the jawbone, acting as an anchor to hold the new artificial tooth in place. It may take a few weeks - or months - to become secure enough to move forward with the procedure.
An abutment will be inserted into the post so that it may hold the dental crown in place solidly. In other words, the artificial tooth is secured by the abutment which, in turn, is secured by the implant that has fused with the jaw bone. This is why dental implants are able to function very much like a real tooth.
It is difficult to tell a dental implant from a real tooth – and there is a high rate of success and satisfaction among those who have invested in them.
Are Dental Implants Safe?
Although they sound like an incredible solution, are they safe? The answer is yes. Dental implants are very safe for those who are good candidates for them. That means anyone who is of good overall health, such as:
- Eating healthy
- Not smoking
- Getting regular amounts of exercise
A good candidate will also have sufficient jaw bone density and healthy gums. If there is any sign of periodontal disease, it will need to be cleared up before proceeding with the dental implants. In addition, if greater bone density is needed, then having a bone graft can help. A dental professional will do an evaluation to determine whether or not the patient is a good candidate.
Possible Complications of Dental Implants
It is important to note that even though dental implants have a high success rate and very little risk, there are still complications that may arise. For instance, implant rejection (a.k.a. foreign body rejection) can happen but is extremely rare. It is thought to occur due to an allergic or immune system reaction.
Another is peri-implantitis which is a bacterial infection found near the implant. This may happen and is thought to be the result of not cleaning an implant area during or after the procedure. Having the right dental team - one that is skilled and experienced - can help to reduce your risk and make implants a more safe option. Being diligent about your aftercare is crucial, too.
Learn More About Dental Implants at Attleboro Family Dental Care
At Attleboro Family Dental Care, we have helped many patients restore their smiles with dental implants. We offer single tooth dental implants, implant-supported bridges, implant-supported dentures, and a full arch with only four implants. So whether you need to replace one tooth or all your teeth, we have the advanced procedures and technology to restore your smile.
To learn more or to get started, contact us at 508-222-2510. Or, request an appointment online.