Dental Implants 101, Part 1: Are Dental Implants Safe?
In the decades that dentists have been performing dental implant surgery, the technology has greatly advanced. Dental implant surgery has a high success rate of about 97%, although there are certain risks that are associated with it, just as in any surgery. Problems are rare, though, and most patients who are unable or unwilling to wear dentures and are willing to commit several months to the process are good candidates.
Risks of Dental Implant Surgery
Most dental implants are successful, unless the jawbone fails to fuse to the implant. Patients who can deter proper healing are smokers, as it negatively affects oral tissues. Others who don’t properly adhere to their dentist’s orders can also experience delayed healing. You can help you dental work by scheduling regular checkups to ensure the health of your implant(s) and by following advice for routine cleanings. Even if you are in the 3% of patients whose implant surgery fails, most patients can try the procedure again in about 3 months.
The main risks of dental implant surgery are usually minor and easily treated, including:
- Infection at the implant site, which may be treated with antibiotics
- Injury to adjacent teeth, or bruising of the gums
- Blood loss
- Nerve damage
- Sinus problems
What Is a Dental Implant Screw Made Of?
The implant itself, which is a screw usually made from titanium, is biocompatible with the body. These screws have been proven safe and the body will not reject them. The surgically implanted tooth root is placed in the jawbone, and is a sophisticated prosthetic. The purpose of the screw underneath the gums is to stimulate the jawbone like a natural tooth would do, because without this stimulation in the gums, the jawbone can gradually disintegrate. Because it is fixed in place and is the most natural way to replace missing teeth, many dentists recommend patients to proceed with dental implant surgery if they are good candidates. The implant screw is connected to a crown, which is attached via an abutment.
Next week we will discuss the dental implants timeline, and what to expect during the process of tooth extraction, bone grafting, implant surgery, abutment placement, and crown placement. To contact us at Austell Dental Associates, please Call (770) 676-1230 today.
