If you are considering dental implants, most likely you are asking yourself, “Are Dental Implants Safe?” Having dental implants installed can improve both your speech and your self-esteem. A significant number of people are missing at least a tooth, and others are toothless. If you fall in either category, it may be time to consider having dental implants since they are the best alternative to replacing a lost tooth.
Implants that function and look like natural teeth have a higher success rate. But are dental implants safe? Well, the surgery has certain risks associated with it, but it also has multiple benefits. We will discuss dental implants in detail so you can make an informed decision if you are thinking about getting them.
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What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants have gained popularity as the go-to solution when it comes to replacing missing or damaged teeth. Dental implants replace tooth roots. When you get the implants installed, they offer a strong foundation for either removable or permanent teeth, and are usually designed to match your natural teeth.
The artificial teeth not only look like real ones, but they also function as your natural teeth would. Dental implants are usually an acceptable alternative to bridgework or dentures. Your jawbone’s condition and the type of implant you are getting will determine how your dental implant surgery will be performed. A dental implant offers your new teeth solid support. See also Dental Implants Cost.
Why Do People Get Dental Implants?
Dental implants are usually surgically placed on one’s jawbone so that they can act as missing teeth’ roots. The implant usually fuses with your bone if you have gotten the permanent type. Therefore, you can be sure that the dental implants will not cause bone damage, make noise, or slip, unlike a denture or bridgework. It is also worth noting that the material does not rot. You can get dental implants if:
- You are not a smoker, especially one who is not willing to quit.
- Fully commit to the process for several months.
- You are unwilling or unable to wear dentures.
- Would like to improve your speech.
- You do not have any health condition that can potentially get in the way of bone healing.
- Your oral tissues are healthy.
- In Some cases, you may need a bone graft, if you don’t have sufficient bone that will secure the implants.
- Your jawbone has reached its complete growth.
- You have a missing tooth or teeth.
What to Expect When Getting Dental Implants
Dental implant procedures are usually performed in stages, so you need to be committed to the process. Since the procedures are done in stages, it is usually an outpatient surgery. After every procedure, you are allowed some time in between to heal before your next procedure. Below is what the process of getting dental implants involves,
- The damaged tooth is removed
- Grafting or jawbone preparation is done only if it is necessary
- The dental implant is placed
- You get time to allow both bone growth and healing
- The abutment is placed
- Your artificial tooth is placed
The whole process may take up to several months to be complete. Most of that time is usually for healing as you await new bone to grow in your jaw. Your situation and the materials or specific procedure being done will determine whether some steps will be combined.
Benefits of Dental Implants
There are multiple benefits of getting dental implants. Listed below are a few benefits.
Improved Speech
As mentioned earlier, getting dental implants can significantly improve your speech. When your dentures are poorly fitted, your teeth can slip in your mouth, resulting in you slurring or mumbling your words. When you get dental implants installed, you no longer have to worry about your teeth slipping.
Improved Appearance
Dental implants not only feel like your natural teeth, but they also look like them. You can either get the temporary or permanent ones. Dental implants are made to fuse with the bone, meaning they will become permanent.
Eating is Easier
Chewing can be difficult if your dentures keep sliding. However, when you have dental implants, you will not experience this problem because they work like your natural teeth. Therefore, you can easily eat your favorite food without experiencing pain and with confidence that your teeth will not slide.
Comfort
Removable dentures can be quite uncomfortable. As mentioned earlier, when you get dental implants, they fuse with the bone and become permanent, eliminating the discomfort.
Improved Self-Image
Dental implants can boost your self-image since you will feel better about yourself, and they also give you your smile back.
Convenience
When you get removable dentures, that is all they are, not forgetting how inconvenient and embarrassing it can be to remove the dentures. You will also need adhesives to put them back in place, which is messy and very inconvenient. Suppose you choose to get dental implants. Instead, you will not have to go through this since they are permanent, making them pretty convenient.
Durable
Getting dental implants can be an excellent idea because they are durable, which means they can last for several years. Even better is that if you take good and proper care of them, they can last a lifetime.
Improved Oral Health
You do not have to reduce your teeth when you get dental implants like you would if you chose a tooth-supported bridge. The teeth nearby do not require alteration to support the dental implant. Your natural teeth will remain intact, which improves your long-term oral health. Getting individual implants usually allows easy access in between the teeth, which improves your oral hygiene.
Are Dental Implants Painful?
Dental implants are not painful, although it is worth noting that pain is relative. Most individuals who have had dental implants affirm that some level of discomfort may be experienced during the procedure. Most patients who have had a tooth extracted and have also received a dental implant confirm that the latter involves less pain. However, local anesthesia is usually used during a dental implant procedure. Once your dental implant procedure is complete, you can treat the mild soreness with pain medication such as Motrin or Tylenol.
How Do You Care For Dental Implants?
The care you give your normal teeth also applies to dental implants. Therefore, to care for your dental implants, have frequent dental check-ups, floss, brush, and rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouth wash.
Are Dental Implants Safe
Dental implants are installed through an oral procedure. You must make sure that the dentist performing the surgery is qualified. Most of the dental implants used today are made up of titanium alloys and titanium. It is worth noting that titanium’s biocompatibility is quite impressive.
A biocompatible material is not harmful or toxic to living organisms. It also has a low electrical conductivity, which makes it very resistant to corrosion. Therefore, the implants do not rust or corrode when placed in living tissue, making them non-toxic and safe to humans.
Dental implants are 98% effective, and it is worth noting that it is the only restorative procedure and solution that can stimulate the natural bone under one’s missing tooth. The process is quite intricate, but there is minimal risk involved when done by a professional, and your comfort will be prioritized. Although dental failure is rare, it does occur in some cases. Your implants can last a lifetime if you take proper care of them.
Are There Any Risk Factors?
As mentioned earlier, there are certain risk factors associated with getting dental implants. However, despite the risks involved, dental implant complications and failures are rare. Listed below are some of the risk factors involved with getting dental implants.
Bacteria Build Up
Having a bacteria build-up may result in you having receding gums. This will make your implant screws visible, which will result in the bacteria causing an infection. Therefore, you need to practice and have a healthy dental practice after your surgery.
Infection and Inflammation
You may end up getting an infection or an inflammation in the areas around your dental implant due to bacteria. Usually, this is a result of a lack of proper dental hygiene. This is also a common occurrence in anyone who smokes or has diabetes.
Rejection
It is not uncommon for one’s immune system to reject an implant. Individuals who smoke are more susceptible to this problem. Therefore, if you are a smoker and would like your implant surgery to be successful, it would help to follow your doctor’s instructions and quit smoking after your surgery. Individuals who grind their teeth must go through teeth grinding treatment.
Trapping Nerves
If the nerves are damaged as the tooth is installed, it may result in multiple complications such as pain when you are speaking, shaving, or eating. Accurately placing the implant in the supporting bone can be quite a challenge. Luckily, we have the experience and have performed multiple dental implant surgeries.
Who Should Not Get Dental Implants?
Any individual considered healthy to go through dental surgery, or routine dental extraction can get a dental implant. An individual should have sufficient bone that can hold the implant and also have healthy gums. One should also be committed to regular visits to the dentist and have excellent oral hygiene. Any individual with chronic diabetes or a heavy smoker needs to be assessed before they are cleared for the procedure.
As mentioned earlier, the implants are made of titanium, which is biocompatible for most individuals. However, some individuals are sensitive to nickel, lead, copper, and zinc. Suppose you are such an individual, it would be best to choose an alternative solution to replace your teeth. It is also worth noting that metal filling may interact negatively with your titanium implant in some cases, so let your dentist know beforehand. It would also help if you consult your dentist first if you are considering getting dental implants, so they can advise you if dental implants are the best solution for you.
See Also: All on 4 Dental Implants
Where to Get Dental Implants in Houston, Texas
If you live in Houston, Texas, the best place to get dental implants is Voss Dental. We create unlimited smiles for both children and adults in our personalized, professional, and state-of-the-art environment. We believe everyone deserves and needs dental care. We offer multiple types of dental treatment, and our treatment plans are individualized to ensure we create an amazing smile for you.
If you would like to get dental implants, you can check out Voss Dental. You can book an appointment online or call us to schedule an appointment. We enjoy helping our patients attain their ideal smiles.
See Also Where to get affordable dental implants in Houston, TX.