If you’ve lost teeth and are looking to replace them, you’ve probably heard of dental implants. These provide a permanent solution to tooth loss and restore the aesthetics and function of the smile. But how many of you have wondered, “are dental implants safe” when considering this option.
It’s normal for patients to have this query, as all of us are concerned about what goes into our bodies. But before diving into dental implant safety, let’s be clear about dental implants.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are substitutes for teeth placed into the jawbone to mimic natural teeth, both in form and function. The titanium screw-like part of the implant system implanted into the jawbone is biocompatible. Once the screw has integrated with the bone, a crown is placed on top to replace the missing tooth, enabling the patient to bite and chew.
Teeth implants provide a long-lasting solution for tooth replacement and create a natural-looking, fully functional smile. But are dental implants safe? Let’s take a closer look.
As mentioned above, dental implants have two main components – the ‘screw’ and the crown. The screw is made from titanium and has been safely used to replace hip joints for over a hundred years.
The bone grows around the implant (or implants), giving the screw the strength to support a porcelain crown or bridge.
Biocompatible materials are used for the crown or bridge and are readily accepted by the body.
Now that you feel happier about dental implants’ safety, you might want to seek a free dental consultation near you to see if they’re a suitable treatment for you and what the cost will be.
So moving on, let’s discuss dental implant surgery as this is another concern patients often have regarding the dental implant procedure.
Dental implant surgery – the risks
Implant surgery is a minor procedure routinely carried out at most dental clinics. When performed by an experienced and skilled dentist, it’s perfectly safe. Patients should also know that stringent regulations apply in Australia regarding hygiene and implants.
But as with any surgery, there are risks. However, any problems following implant surgery are generally minor and can be treated by a dentist. Some of the risks include:
- Infection at the site of the implant
- Injury to surrounding teeth
- Nerve damage causing tingling, numbness or pain
- Sinus damage when implants are placed in the upper jaw
Knowing these risks, you may question how can dental implants be safe. These risks are rare because dentists and oral surgeons plan the surgery virtually using 3D computer technology to ensure patient safety and comfort. Using 3D imagery, dentists can determine the density of the jawbone and the precise location of the sinus cavities, nerves and other vital structures. According to a recent study, dental implants have a success rate of 97%, making them one of the safest treatments in dentistry.
What makes dental implants safe is the amount of planning and preparation before the process and the extensive post-op follow-ups. Here at Complete Dental, we’re with you through every step of the implant procedure. Regular follow-ups enable us to monitor your progress and identify and treat minor problems before they escalate into more significant issues that could cause your implant to fail.
Dental implant surgery – the risks
One thing you may have come across when researching dental implants is that they are not safe for people with diabetes.
The truth is that diabetes is not a contraindication for dental implants. However, diabetes is a defining reason a dentist may question a person’s suitability for implants. You see, uncontrolled diabetes or extremely high blood sugars can raise the risk of complications during implant surgery or the success of implant treatment.
Your dentist will need to consult with your doctor to see how well the diabetes is being managed and base their decision on other variables like bone dentistry in the area and the risk of infection.
If you have diabetes and are considering a dental implant, it’s a good idea to get a consultation with your local dental clinic to see where you stand.
Do dental implants affect your overall health?
When patients ask if dental implants are safe, they’re worried that titanium implants placed into the jawbone will affect their bodies. Are they poisonous? Could they corrode? Could they cause sepsis?
To clear up misunderstandings, a biocompatible material is safe for the body and does not react with tissues or bodily fluids to form a poisonous substance. Unless you are one of the scarce people with an allergy to titanium, the risk of dental implants affecting your health is practically zero.
To conclude
Dental implants are the best replacement for missing teeth modern dentistry has to offer. They are long-lasting, safe, natural-looking tooth substitutes that result in a smile you can be proud of. If you have any further concerns or questions about dental implant safety, our dentist offers a free dental implant consultation where you can get advice from our experienced team. Why not book yours and call our Coorparoo clinic on (07) 3801 6503 & Elanora clinic on (07) 5235 8199 today.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
PubMed – Total Hip Arthroplasty – over 100 years of operative history
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3257425/
PubMed – Long-term dental implant success and survival – a clinical study after an observation period of up to 6 years
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22611899/