Are Dental Implants Safe?

Implants are a popular tooth replacement choice. Dental implants are a cosmetic solution to missing teeth. Still, they provide vital support for overall oral health, with many patients choosing dental implants as they offer a viable solution to living an everyday life after tooth loss. Since implants involve surgery, you may be wondering if they’re safe.

“What are dental implants?”

Dental implants are used to replace a tooth or teeth that are missing due to either impact or decay. It is the best and most efficient treatment option to create a natural function, look and feel and it will often provide a long-term solution to tooth loss. The implant contains a titanium ‘root’ in the gum and a ceramic crown replicating the original tooth.

 

“Why might I need dental implants?”

Many patients choose implants for longevity and because they offer a better quality of life than other treatment options. You may choose to have dental implants because of an accident that has caused tooth loss or where the tooth cannot be recovered, leaving a gap. Not only will dental implants close this gap, but they can prevent the teeth from moving and causing further oral issues. Another reason you might also choose dental implants is if you have suffered from substantial tooth decay and want to restore your teeth.

“How safe and effective are dental implants?”

Dental implants surgery has been a part of dentistry for more than 30 years, and it’s an entirely safe procedure. Plus, due to modern technologies, installing implants has improved over the years. There is almost no risk of significant complications or problems with the dental implant procedure for most patients in good health. Although, it is crucial to be in good dental health before you get dental implants. Between 90-95% of implants were still in perfect condition 10 years after placement, and the success rate is between 95-98% over up to 40-50 years.

“Who is not the right candidate for dental implants?”

Dental implants are not for everyone. Some pre-existing health conditions can make it difficult for your body to deal with any form of surgery or healing. Other conditions place your body under a great deal of stress, and it is recommended to allow yourself to heal from or finish addressing them before undergoing dental implantation.
Examples of conditions or risk factors that may stop you from getting dental implants include:

•Nerve damage to your face, gums, or mouth
•Being pregnant
•Being a heavy smoker
•Having cancer
•Severe bone loss
•Having an active infection, particularly in or around your mouth or sinuses

Many of these risk factors are temporary. Even severe and complex risk factors such as bone loss do not necessarily prevent all patients from qualifying for or succeeding with dental implants.

“Are Complications From Dental Implants Rare?”

Dental implants are incredibly safe, but some complications can happen in some conditions. The most common complication is peri-implantitis which is an infection of the gum tissue near the implant. The cause is improper cleaning of the implant area during the procedure or if the patient does not clean and care for their implant appropriately after their surgery. However, following your recovery instructions after surgery and working with a skilled dentist for an implant will almost eradicate the risk of this complication. Another rare complication is implant rejection or “foreign body rejection,” which happens when you have an immune system reaction or allergic reaction to the implant. More rarely, the implant might fail to attach to the bone suitably. This is more common in patients who have a weakened jaw bone, which can be prevented with adequate pre-implant planning and surgeries, such as bone grafting to strengthen the jaw.

Are dental implants safe for the elderly?

As long as the patient is healthy, there is no age limit for installing implants. Anyone who is in need of tooth replacement options may qualify for implants, no matter what their age.

 

 

The periodic oral examination is a recommended part of long-term dental care solutions which should be scheduled every 6 months. A periodic oral examination is what you might ordinarily think of as your regular dental check-up. A bi-yearly schedule for these appointments is strongly suggested even for patients with no immediate and explicit need for treatment.

 

“What’s Included in a Periodic Oral Examination?”

A periodic oral examination provides a vital professional clean, but it is also administered as part of a routine maintenance plan with established patients, which helps your dentist be aware of your dental history and current dental work. This means that the current state of your oral health plan will be monitored and maintained using several methods, including:
1) Intra-oral examination of gums, teeth, tongue, throat, cheeks and lips.
2) X-rays can be taken if necessary. A sequence of full mouth x-rays will reveal any irregularities in the structures that support your teeth and in the teeth themselves.
3) Consultation and advice on your oral health habits and practices.
4) Scale and polish, which is a necessary treatment to remove built-up plaque deposits that have the potential to result in gum disease.

“What Are The Benefits of a Periodic Oral Examination?”

The aperiodic oral examination is a must feature of your long-term oral care. Because by regularly monitoring your oral health, dental disease and decay are less likely to happen. If a problem is found during a regular check-up, it is often easier to fix because it was spotted quickly. As an outcome, The need for expensive intervention and treatment is practically eradicated. Remember the old saying to keep your dental exams and periodic cleanings: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

“What Happens During A Periodic Oral Exam?”

Two crucial preventative treatments are done during a typical dental exam: cleaning and evaluation. Firstly, exams often start with a deep clean performed by a dental hygienist, and they use special equipment and techniques to remove the tartar and plaque that daily brushing and flossing might miss.

After your teeth have been cleaned and polished, your dentist will evaluate your neck, throat, tongue, teeth, and gums for signs of disease, damage, or decay. Also, X-rays might be taken. Your dentist will recommend a treatment plan and schedule subsequent visits if any troubled spots are found.

“What should you do between each dental visit?”

Make sure to take care of your teeth and gums between periodic oral exams. Plaque is constantly forming on your teeth, but you can regularly manage it by brushing and flossing. Here are some tips for good oral care:
•Brush your teeth at least twice a day and use a toothpaste that contains fluoride.
•Floss daily.
•Use a mouthwash to help control plaque bacteria, which also helps to keep your breath fresh.

 

Clove Dental offers a comprehensive range of dental services which can satisfy your cosmetic or oral health needs. Our team of experienced and qualified dentists can perform a variety of dental procedures which include teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, bridges, crowns, implants, dentures, and more.