Every year, thousands of Americans turn to dental implants to replace lost or missing teeth. For most people, dental implants are a reliable and long-lasting solution to improve functionality, oral health, aesthetics and — perhaps most importantly — one’s confidence.
Dental implant surgery has come a long way in recent years, and when performed by a skilled dentist, this procedure is one of the safest with predictable outcomes. Implants not only remove the daily frustrations that often accompany removable dentures, but they can also help preserve underlying bone tissue, preserving facial structure for years to come.
Unlike other restorations that are temporary fixtures, implants are intended to last for decades. This is because the metal posts of the implants fuse to the jawbone, creating a strong foundation for the custom-made crowns. Implants will look and feel like your natural teeth and reduce the risk of future bone deterioration.
But what are the potential risks of dental implants, and are they really a safe option for transforming your smile?
Potential risks of dental implant surgery
Just like any kind of surgery, dental implant placement carries a risk of complications. Before undergoing any type of oral surgery, it’s best to speak with your dentist about what to expect, which includes the possibility of the following problems:
- Infection
- Sinus problems
- Damage to adjacent blood vessels or nerves
- Allergic reaction to implant material
- Implant break or fracture
- Dental implant rejection/failure
It bears noting that dental implants have a 95% success rate, and when properly cared for, these replacement teeth can last a lifetime. When implants do fail, it can happen shortly after the surgery, or even months later.
Patients who smoke, have diabetes, cancer or a suppressed immune system may not be ideal candidates for dental implants. This is because the body will not have the full capacity to heal itself, putting patients at greater risk for infection and implant failure.
Are dental implants safe?
Dental implants have been used with great success for more than 50 years, and are widely considered the gold standard for replacing one or multiple missing teeth. However, there are inherent risks, which can increase marginally when a bone graft is needed to provide extra support for the implants.
There are distinct contraindications that minimize the safety and success rate of implants. These include people with:
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Untreated periodontal disease
- Untreated tooth decay
- Extraction sites that have not yet healed
- Insufficient jaw bone density to support an implant
This isn’t meant to discourage those with health concerns about the possibility of getting dental implants. A recent study found that diabetic patients who are able to maintain stable blood sugar levels are not at risk for serious implant complications, and advances in bone grafting have made it possible for implant placement in people who were once told they could never have them.
Affordable dental implants in Suffolk County
Contact Long Island Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry to find out if you’re a candidate for dental implants. Dr. Nick and Dr. Elliot are experts in implant dentistry and offer Suffolk County residents some of the best prices for All-on-4, All-on-6, and same day dental implants. Request your appointment today!
Additional Resources:
- Medical Life Sciences News, Dental Implant Risks https://www.news-medical.net/health/Dental-Implant-Risks.aspx
- Mayo Clinic, Dental Implant Surgery https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/dental-implant-surgery/about/pac-20384622
- AAOMS, Are Dental Implants Safe? https://myoms.org/procedures/are-dental-implants-safe
