Did you know that your jawbone starts to deteriorate after teeth go missing? It begins to think without a root to stimulate new bone growth every time you bite down or chew. Unfortunately, it can eventually become too frail to support your smile, and you could suffer additional tooth loss.
Thankfully, your dentist can provide dental implants to prevent this degenerative process. These are the only replacement teeth that include a titanium rod inserted into your jaw. But are dental implants considered safe? Continue reading to find out why so many experts recommend them!
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial teeth that contain a support pole that’s placed directly into your jawbone, which is then capped with an appropriate restoration. If you’re replacing a single tooth, you’ll likely be fitted with a customized dental crown to rebuild your smile’s appearance and functionality. However, these versatile prosthetics can also anchor a dental bridge or a full set of dentures if you’re missing multiple teeth or an entire arch.
Many experts consider these superior to alternative treatments, like traditional dentures or bridges, because they function as sturdy standalone structures in your mouth because your jawbone fuses with the metal. They don’t rely on a firm suction against your gum tissues or require that enamel be removed from healthy teeth to stay put.
Are Dental Implants Considered Safe?
Although dental implants are typically stronger and more resilient than other potential treatments, they are also the only restoration that involves oral surgery. It’s only natural to want to learn more about the process and what to expect before deciding to proceed.
Fortunately, the dental implant procedure is common and typically incredibly successful. In fact, one meta-analysis of data investigating the long-term survival rates of these prosthetics found that, remarkably, 4 out of 5 of them survived the 20-year period that was studied.
It’s worth noting, though, that dental implant surgery does have some potential health risks, as with any major medical procedure. Some possible complications can include:
- Peri-implantitis. Bacteria in your mouth can infect the implant site and spread to your gum tissues or jawbone and lead to failure.
- Nerve damage. The support rod of your restoration can trigger numbness or tingling in your teeth, gums, lips, or chin if they press against certain nerves.
- Sinus problems. Implants in the upper jaw can potentially poke your sinus cavities and cause pressure or discomfort.
If you’re still unsure whether dental implants are right for you, the best way to find out is to consult with your dentist!
About the Author
Dr. A. Faris Waheed has 15+ years of experience helping people improve their lives by enhancing their dental condition. He earned his dental degree from the prestigious Tufts University School of Medicine, and has completed post-graduate courses in numerous topic like dental implants, root canal therapy, cosmetic services, and oral sedation. His family-friendly practice is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to provide a full array of services conveniently under one roof, including your dental implant surgery. You can request an appointment on the website or call (850) 890-7990.