If you’ve heard of dental implants, then you probably know that they’re considered the gold standard of tooth restoration solutions. They’re capable of restoring the entire structure of missing teeth from roots to the crown and are accompanied by several awesome benefits. However, as with any type of dental work, you might have safety concerns about receiving dental implants before you’re comfortable with getting them. Here’s why you have nothing to worry about when it comes to getting dental implants, as they’re considered both safe and ultra-effective!
How Do Dental Implants Work?
Dental implants work thanks to the titanium posts that are surgically embedded into the patient’s jawbone. These posts mimic the roots of your teeth, and after your procedure, they’ll begin to fuse with your jawbone. Once this process (known as osseointegration) finishes, a lifelike restoration is placed on top of the post that replaces the crown portion of the tooth.
Are Dental Implants Considered Safe?
The short answer here is yes, dental implants are considered safe. Although the process for receiving implants might seem a little daunting, it’s actually quite straightforward and is among the best options for replacing missing teeth. In fact, roughly half a million dental implants are successfully placed every year!
It’s worth mentioning that your dentist is always going to prioritize your oral health and overall well-being when it comes to any type of treatment, meaning that if there’s any type of problem that might potentially impact your implants (gum disease, insufficient bone density, etc.), it’ll be handled beforehand.
All oral surgeries also inherently carry a small risk of bleeding disorders, infections, and undesirable allergic reactions, but thanks to the care and precautions taken by your dental team, every effort will be made to ensure your safety at all times.
What Might Cause Dental Implants to Fail Early?
Once your procedure is over and your implants have been placed, it falls on you to take great care of them and ensure they serve you well for many decades to come. And although theyhave an awesome success rate of over 95%, there are still some things that threaten their lifespan including:
- Poor oral hygiene – Failing to keep your mouth clean will lead to all sorts of problems that can negatively affect your implants, such as gum disease.
- Bad oral habits – Smoking and tobacco usage are notorious for causing all sorts of health problems, and these habits can also greatly increase the risk of implant failure.
- Autoimmune diseases – Certain conditions such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis might inhibit your body’s healing capabilities and prevent osseointegration from occurring.
- Certain medications – If you’re taking medications that suppress your body’s immune system or affect bone health, your implants might have trouble healing properly.
- Insufficient bone density – Bone loss, regardless of the cause, can lead to a weaker jawbone that’s simply unable to support the implant posts.
If you’re on the fence about receiving dental implants, you should know that they’re considered completely safe for qualifying patients and are certain to restore your smile to a beautiful and functional state.
About the Author
Dr. Wael M. Kassem has proudly served patients and families in the Williamstown, NJ area for several years. His practice is thrilled to offer a wide range of services including restorative options like dental implants. If you have any questions about the dental implants or would like to arrange a consultation, please contact Dr. Kassem through his practice’s website or by phone for assistance: (856) 818-9998.