If you’re wondering about the answer to the question are dental implants safe, the short answer is: yes, when the dental implant surgery is performed by an experienced dental practitioner. It is considered both safe and predictable, because it creates a permanent tooth replacement that allows you to restore form and function to your teeth. It being a surgical procedure, dental implants carry some risk and even though the risks are rare and often easily managed, knowing about them is part of making an informed decision about your dental health.
So – Are Dental Implants Safe?
Dental implant surgery can take place over a protracted period of time, and its success depends very much on the condition of the patient and how he or she responds to the dental implant treatment.
While the results are generally predictable with dental implants, there are some variable factors like bone density and bone quality that can influence the overall success of the procedure.
What Are Some Of The Risks Associated With Dental Implants?
Lack of osseo-integration
Most of today’s dental implants have been crafted from titanium. This is because titanium is a robust and long lasting substance that is bio-compatible. When the dental implant does not osseo-integrate, it means it has not stimulated the bone and it will not fuse with your jaw.
Sometimes prophylactic antibiotics might be administered if your dental practitioner has reason to believe you have an elevated chance of your dental implants failing.
Bone loss
Undetected gum disease or the onset of gum disease after a dental implant has been placed can lead to bone loss. This can compromise the stability of your dental implants, as they have much less bone to be anchored into.
Injuries to the teeth and surrounding structures
It has happened that the dental implant or a tool of the dentist has injured sinus cavities, soft tissue or surrounding teeth.
At Tooth Implants Sydney we make use of computer-guided technology which enables our dentists to place dental implants accurately reducing the margin for human error, which may lead to perforation as described here.
A broken implant
Dental implants may break when they are overloaded or incorrectly angled in the jaw. This is a scenario that is best avoided as it can be difficult to resolve because the bone might not be strong enough to support another implant.
Working Towards A Safe Dental Implant Procedure
There are certain conditions and factors that can increase your chances of dental implant failure such as:
Unmanaged diabetes
Patients who have diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis heal slower and thus have a higher chance of implant failure.
Active gum disease
You need healthy gums to provide a strong support base for dental implants.
Inadequate jaw bone thickness or strength
A strong healthy jaw is necessary to support your implants. Osteoporosis is a common cause of bone loss in the jaw. Patients who have had teeth missing for some time are also more likely to experience bone loss in the jaw.
Smoking
Smokers also tend to have a higher rate of dental implant failure, and you should really consider quitting in order to increase your chances of dental implant success. Smoking reduces blood flow in your gums, and this can slow down your rate of healing.
Why Experience Matters
Extensive planning and preparation is needed to ensure that your dental implant procedure is both safe and predictable. It is essential that the procedure is carried out by a suitable qualified and experienced dentist who can help you mitigate any risks, by doing the necessary checks.
Your dental implants progress needs to be closely monitored throughout the procedure, so that any complications can be picked up early on and addressed.
Still wondering are dental implants safe? It’s always best to speak to a professional. Please contact us for an appointment: (02) 9158 6326.
