Dental implants receive a lot of attention for their realism and their remarkable durability. They’re the only tooth replacement option that can adequately address bone loss in the jaw, and most of them last for decades with regular maintenance.
However, they’re also the only tooth replacement option that involves surgery, which can make some patients anxious. You may wonder if it’d be safe for you to get the procedure. If you’re concerned about the risks that may be associated with dental implants, here’s some information that might put you at ease.
Are Dental Implants Safe?
For the most part, dental implant procedures are incredibly safe. There are risks that come with any surgery, but so long as you get your treatment from an experienced provider you won’t have to worry about most of them.
Of course, there are some people who are more at risk than others, and certain patients may not be able to recover well from the surgery due to pre-existing conditions. However, a good dentist will know that and will be happy to steer you away from the procedure if it seems unsafe.
What Risks Come with Dental Implants?
The main thing to watch out for in the aftermath of any surgery is infection. In the case of implants, this is usually a condition called peri-implantitis. This occurs when bacteria from before, during, or after the surgery seeps below the gum line and begins to attack the bone around the dental implant. In extreme cases that can cause you to lose the implant altogether, in addition to the other not-too-pleasant symptoms of oral infection.
How Do I Prevent Peri-implantitis?
Peri-implantitis can result from infection during the surgery, which is why you ought to make sure that you get the treatment from a professional you can trust.
More often, however, the infection develops after the surgery, while the dental implant is still fusing with the jawbone. Keeping up with dental hygiene is the best way to prevent gum disease and, by extension, peri-implantitis.
Some conditions can potentially interfere with the body’s ability to heal after the surgery. This puts you at an increased risk of developing an infection, even if you’re thorough with your dental hygiene If you have diabetes, are on immunosuppressants, or think your healing factor may be compromised for another reason, you should let your dentist know before you begin dental implant treatment.
About Our Practice
At Weiss Dental Arts, we want our patients to have access to the latest in dental technology in an environment that can make them feel happy and comfortable. By staying at the cutting edge of oral medicine, we can offer our patients the best care possible, quickly and efficiently. Whether you need a simple checkup or dental implant surgery, we’re confident in our ability to help you.
If you have any questions about the safety of dental implant procedures, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (847) 864-0188.