Settling the Matter: Are Dental Implants Safe?

Dental implants are often recommended by dentists for tooth replacement, and when you see the incredible results that they can produce, it’s not hard to understand why. They’re remarkably durable, realistic-feeling, and provide patients with a significantly stronger bite than other tooth replacement options.

However, dental implants also involve surgery, which makes some people wonder about their safety. If you want to know more about the risks associated with dental implants, here’s a guide that may be able to put you at ease.

Are Dental Implants Safe?

Every procedure involves risk, but for the most part, dental implants are remarkably safe. Studies have shown that around 95% of dental implants are successful at 20 years, meaning that the procedure itself rarely leads to complications.

Moreover, dental implants are the subject of rigorous study, and any implant dentist would be well aware of the potential pitfalls you could run into. As a result, they’ll be able to help you avoid some of the more serious consequences of oral implant surgery.

What Risks Are Associated with Dental Implant Surgery?

That said, however, you may want to learn a little bit more about what can potentially go wrong with dental implant surgery.

For one, infection is always a concern. If you don’t take care of your dental implant, you could develop a condition known as peri-implantitis. This is a bacterial infection that slips under the gum line and begins to attack the jawbone containing the implant itself. This is most often a consequence of gum disease that has advanced significantly.

The other issue comes from an inability to heal completely, which can cause the dental implant to fall out or lead to an increased chance of infection. If you have diabetes or are on immunosuppressants, you may find that you take an extraordinarily long time to heal. As a result, you should talk to your dentist about any of these pre-existing conditions.

It’s similarly recommended that you quit smoking for at least two weeks before and ninety days after your dental implant surgery, as smoking can potentially hinder healing.

With this in mind, you shouldn’t let fear of consequences from dental surgery stop you from getting dental implants. The procedure is safe and easy, so there’s nothing standing between you and the whole smile you’ve been wanting.

About Our Practice

At Advanced Dental Care of Springfield, we want as many people as we can to get the oral healthcare they deserve. No matter their age or condition, we’re happy to offer them care that is precise, effective, and keeps them completely comfortable. We’ll also make sure you leave our office more knowledgeable than when you came in, and better prepared to take charge of your oral health.

If you have any questions about what dental implants can do for you, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (217) 546-3333.