If you’re the type to spend a lot of time researching dental and medical procedures before you schedule them, you might have come across some scary stories about dental implants. We’re big believers in patient education, which means we are always up front and honest with our patients about the fact that dental implants are a surgical procedure with the potential for complications, just like any other surgery. The good news is that when you work with a skilled dental implant team, these risks are minimal. Here’s what every patient needs to know about the safety of dental implants.
Dental Implant Safety
Dental implants have become the preferred method of replacing missing teeth thanks, in part, to their track record of safety and improving oral health. While implants may seem to be a recent advancement in dentistry, titanium implants have been in use for more than half a century and have a 10-year success rate of 95 to 98 percent.
Some of the most common dental implant complications you’ll read about on the internet include headaches, jaw pain, and chronic low-level infection. Many studies have been conducted on these topics throughout the years, and none of them have found that implants cause these or any other chronic health problems.
Dental implants are recommended by dentists because they prevent the chronic health problems that come with tooth loss. Most importantly, they aid in the preservation of jaw bone density, which is beneficial to your dental health and overall well-being. Your bite becomes weaker as your jawbone begins to break down, making it more difficult to eat the proper diet your body requires to function at its best.
Risks of Dental Implants
So are dental implants safe? Here are the most common risks involved in getting dental implants:
Surgical Complications
Nerve injury, bleeding, infection, and tissue damage are all risks associated with any surgery, including dental implant placement. You should be aware that dental anesthesia and sedation also have some risks involved, the most common being nerve injury. When dental implants are placed by a skilled dental implant specialist, the potential for surgical complications is reduced.
Dental Implant Failure
The majority of implant failure cases are the result of a patient’s refusal to follow aftercare instructions or a dentist’s lack of experience, ability, or patient screening. Some patients, for example, travel outside the country to save money on dental implants, but the procedure may not be completed to the same high standards as in the United States.
Your dental implants might fail because:
- You begin using tobacco products again shortly after dental implant placement.
- You have an underlying health condition like diabetes that increases your risk of infection or impacts your body’s ability to heal.
- You develop periodontal disease after getting implants.
- You don’t visit the dentist for regular preventive care.
- You don’t have the necessary jawbone density to support dental implants.
- You take medications that impact your body’s ability to absorb calcium.
- You need chemotherapy or radiation treatments after dental implant placement.
Dental implants are safe when placed by a qualified dental implant specialist. While many dentists now provide dental implants, it’s critical to choose a specialist who has handled a large number of cases and who performs the procedure regularly.
Learn More About Dental Implants
Are you worried about the safety of dental implants? We’re happy to discuss your concerns with you. Contact us today at 978-448-5241 to schedule an appointment for a consultation.