Are you considering a dental implant? Do you have concerns about the safety of dental implants? It is normal to question the safety of any dental procedure you are planning to undergo.
Dental implants are considered to be a safe option for tooth replacement, as long as the patient is healthy and the procedure is performed by a qualified dental professional. Dental implants have been used for over 50 years with overwhelming success. But if you have questions about the safety of the procedure, you can find some answers here.
What is a dental implant?
To understand the risks associated with dental implants, it is important to know what an implant is and what the procedure entails. A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is surgically placed in the jaw bone. It resembles a screw and is made of metal, usually titanium alloy. A crown is attached to the top that looks and functions like a natural tooth. The procedure is usually done in stages, where the implant root is placed first and given a few months to heal before the abutment and crown are attached.
What is required for a patient to be an ideal candidate for a dental implant?
In order for an implant to be safe for a particular patient, certain criteria must be met. The patient must:
- Be in good health.
- Have healthy gums.
- Have sufficient bone density in the jaw.
- Not have any medical conditions that would make surgery unsafe.
- Not have any medical conditions that would delay healing, such as diabetes, cancer, or bone degradation.
- Not have an allergy to titanium or any of the metals it may be alloyed with, including copper, zinc, lead, iron, or nickel.
- Have no other cavities or signs of tooth decay.
What are the risks associated with dental implants?
As with any surgery, dental or otherwise, there are various risks that accompany the dental implant procedure. While they are rare, these risks include:
- Titanium corrosion. In rare cases the titanium in a dental implant can corrode. Corrosion is particularly rare because titanium is considered to be a biocompatible metal. However, in cases of high acidity, sometimes due to inflammation, it can happen.
- Galvanic corrosion. If you have fillings, in-lays, or other metals in your mouth, they can react with the titanium in your implant causing corrosion.
- Nerve damage. Implants can cause nerve damage at the site or in other parts of the mouth if a major nerve is damaged.
- Infection. With any surgery there is a risk of infection. Keep up with proper oral hygiene and follow your dentist’s recommendations for follow up care after your procedure to reduce your risk.
There is always a minimal amount of risk with any surgical procedure. The key is whether or not the benefits outweigh the potential risks.
Trust Sachi & Co. Dentistry With Your Dental Implant Procedure
In order to achieve a successful implant procedure with the least amount of risks, it is important to go to a qualified dentist with plenty of experience. Sachi & Co. Dentistry has performed many successful dental implant procedures. We will ensure that you are an ideal candidate for the procedure first, eliminating any potential risks of complications. At Sachi & Co. Dentistry we offer a wide range of dental services from preventive care to full mouth restorations.
Call 310-530-9893 today to schedule a consultation or make an appointment. We look forward to performing your safe, successful dental implant procedure.