More people than ever are opting for dental implants to replace their missing teeth and with a 95% success rate, they are generally considered a predictable and reliable treatment for eligible patients. But are dental implants safe?
It’s a reasonable question to ask and as with any type of surgery, and dental implant surgery is no different, it does carry some risk of complications and side effects. Thankfully, these instances are rare, and thorough screening and assessment mean that the team at Beyond Infinity Dental can ensure that you are a suitable candidate for dental implant surgery. Provided you follow post-op instructions, there is every chance of a successful outcome. Schedule your free consultation with a dentist at our clinic.
So, getting back to the question of “are dental implants safe?”
The dental implants themselves are manufactured mostly from titanium and sometimes zirconia. Since both metals are bio-compatible, they’re safe to be inserted into the body without any risk of rejection.
The majority of risks associated with the dental implant procedure are actually related to dental implant surgery. These include:
- Nerve damage – If dental implants are placed incorrectly nerve damage could occur which results in tingling and numbness in the facial structures which can on occasions be permanent
- Sinus problems – If a patient is receiving an implant in the upper jaw, there is a risk of the implant penetrating the sinus cavity
- Infection – This is largely in the hands of the patient since it is their responsibility to practise meticulous oral hygiene to avoid infection
Here at Beyond Infinity Dental, we utilise advanced dental technologies such as a CBCT scanner and the latest computer-guided implant systems which ensure dental implant surgery is quicker, more accurate, and more comfortable for patients.
These technologies are a vital part of the dental implant procedure since they scan the jaw and transfer the data to a computer. This then translates the data into a 3D virtual model of the jaw which enables our dental team to plan the placement of your dental implants with precision to avoid sinus cavities and nearby nerves.
Indeed, we provide personalised treatment plans that incorporate a variety of digital implant systems enabling us to use keyhole methods of dental implant surgery that promote faster healing and recovery times.
The importance of working with an experienced dental implant dentist
It’s vital to work with an oral surgeon or an experienced implant dentist that offers a free consultation because they will ensure that you tick all the boxes for eligibility before going ahead with the dental implant procedure.
This is particularly important because dental implants aren’t suitable for everyone and certain people face a higher risk of dental implant failure.
When it may not be advisable for a patient to have dental implants?
Metal allergies
Dental implants are mostly made from titanium combined with a small percentage of alloys such as nickel and zinc. While for most people this shouldn’t present a problem, there are rare occasions a person has an allergy to these alloy metals in which case the dentist is likely to recommend zirconia implants. These are made from ceramic so they should be good for use with everyone.
There are other metals in the mouth
If a person has other metals in their mouth such a gold filling or crown, these can sometimes react negatively with titanium and cause an unpleasant electrical charge.
You are a heavy smoker
Numerous studies have shown that nicotine from tobacco smoke constricts the blood vessels and slows down the blood flow which not only affects the immune system but also slows down the healing process. This doesn’t mean a person can’t have dental implants but they will need to refrain from smoking before and during the dental implant procedure. It’s best to quit smoking altogether because smokers face a greater risk of dental implant failure in the future than non-smokers.
Other considerations
Contemporary dental implants have successfully been used for more than 50 years in patients who have good oral and overall health. However, there are a few instances where a dentist is likely to rule out the immediate use of dental implants. These include:
- The presence of gum disease
- Insufficient bone to secure the implant into
- Pre-existing chronic conditions such as heart disease or diabetes
These considerations don’t necessarily prevent a person from receiving a dental implant but it does mean they need to be addressed before undergoing dental implant surgery.
Gum disease
Peri-implantitis which stems from gum disease is the leading cause of implant failure so it must be treated by your dentist to restore gum health before going ahead with implants.
Insufficient bone
If a patient has insufficient bone width and depth, bone augmentation is possible using various bone grafting techniques. Naturally, this will incur additional healing time and added expense.
Chronic diseases
In the case of pre-existing chronic diseases, your doctor will need to be consulted to help the dentist decide whether or not a dental implant is suitable given the circumstances of your health.
Safety first
So hopefully, this has fully answered your question “are dental implants safe?
At Beyond Infinity Dental, we always consider the unique needs and circumstances of our patients before making any treatment recommendations. Should dental implants be right for you, you can be assured that we will happily answer all of your questions and explain every stage of the dental implant procedure so you know what to expect throughout your treatment.
Do you have any missing teeth? Here at Beyond Infinity Dental, we can confidently say that dental implants are safe and effective and well worth your consideration. Why not contact us at (02) 8806 3799 for a free consultation to see if implants are right for you. We offer a variety of payment methods and 0% finance options, enabling you to spread treatment costs across a number of weeks or months.
