Are Dental Implants Safe? Success Rates, Biocompatibility, and Tips
While it’s normal to feel nervous about dental procedures, it may help to know that the dental implant procedure is considered extremely safe. In fact, for the majority of patients who are in good health, a dental implant procedure comes with very little risk of complications when the implant is placed by an experienced dental surgeon.
Basically, dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically implanted into the jaw. They function like natural teeth. When they are placed properly and cared for diligently by the patient, dental implant crowns can last for 15 years and, in many cases, the post (prosthetic root) can last for a lifetime.
Dental Implants Have a Very High Success Rate
Dental implant procedures have been around since the 1970s and are considered to be a safe and reliable solution for tooth or teeth replacement. Studies show that over the span of 10 years, dental implants have a success rate of above 95%, making them one of the most effective and trusted dental treatments available for replacing missing teeth.
Rarely, complications arise from dental implant surgery. These are often the result of:
Biomechanical problems: Biomechanical complications can occur due to poor surgical execution which may lead to fractures, a loose implant prosthetic, and early dental implant failure.
Poor oral hygiene can result in peri-implantitis. This is a type of gum disease in which an infection invades the bone.
Early implant failure can occur from biological factors where the body “rejects” the implant. In most cases, this happens within the first three months following implant placement.
Underlying conditions such as diabetes, osteoporosis, cancer, and autoimmune diseases, and habits like smoking, can compromise osseointegration and healing.
Late implant failure can occur several years after implant placement and can be caused by trauma, infection, or cosmetic failure (including staining and fractures).
Having a professional dentist provide proper dental aftercare is essential for making sure any complications that may arise from this surgical procedure are taken care of promptly. Experienced dental implant surgeons like Dr. Salin in Bakersfield take all of the necessary precautions to prevent serious complications from occurring and to ensure that your dental implants last for as long as possible.
Dental Implants Have Excellent Biocompatibility
Today, dental implants are offered in a variety of biocompatible materials that are well tolerated by the body. Titanium is the most popular material used to manufacture artificial tooth roots due to its biocompatibility and ability to withstand corrosion.
Titanium dental implants have a high success rate of osseointegration when compared to other metals. As a matter of fact, research shows that titanium implants offer a success rate in the range of 92.5% to 96.4%, with a statistically low prevalence of allergic reactions.
In the majority of cases, dental implants will safely integrate with the human body. Rarely, however, titanium implants can cause an allergic reaction, or a patient might prefer a metal-free option. In both of these cases, your dentist can place a metal-free implant made from zirconium, which is hypoallergenic and conveniently tooth-colored.
Looking After Your Dental Implants
Taking care of your dental implants is similar to taking care of your natural teeth. In other words, you can ensure the longevity of your dental implants by maintaining good oral hygiene practices such as brushing, using dental floss, and rinsing your mouth with mouthwash on a daily basis.
In addition to adopting good oral hygiene practices after dental implant surgery, it’s advisable to schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings to help prevent gum disease, cavities, and other oral health problems that could jeopardize the success of your implant(s).
Diet and Nutrition Can Affect the Longevity of Dental Implants
Many dental patients choose dental implant surgery as a solution for permanent teeth replacement (rather than dentures) so that they can enjoy a more comfortable eating experience. That’s because—in cases where a missing tooth or teeth has resulted in the adjacent teeth shifting—dental implants can help to realign the teeth and improve your bite.
At the same time, certain dietary choices can help to ensure the longevity of dental implants. For example, eating a balanced diet that’s rich in calcium, vitamin D, and lean proteins can help to maintain good bone health, support gum tissue health, and facilitate the integration of the implant into the jawbone.
Choosing a Dentist for Dental Implant Surgery
Dental implants are typically placed by oral surgeons or periodontists who have undergone extensive training (12-14 years of training and licensing) and have years of experience in the field. When choosing a professional to place your dental implant(s), look for someone with extensive experience and hundreds of glowing independent reviews.
To lessen your anxiety around a dental implant procedure, it’s also a good idea to schedule a consultation with a prospective dentist in which you can review all of your options and have your questions answered. Typically, receiving detailed information about what a dental implant procedure entails and discussing all your concerns can greatly reduce any stress or anxiety associated with dental implant surgery.
Restoring Your Oral Health With Dental Implants
As you can see, dental implants are a safe and reliable way to replace missing teeth and improve oral health. Missing teeth can lead to a number of oral health problems, such as bone loss and other teeth shifting, and dental implants can help to prevent these issues.
The first step in deciding whether dental implants are right for you is to consult with an oral surgeon or an experienced dental professional. From there, you can feel confident in choosing the right long-term tooth replacement option for you and be one step closer to getting back the smile you deserve!