Are Dental Implants Safe? – The Facts Explained

For over 50 years, implant-based restorations have provided people with a life-like and long-lasting alternative to conventional dentures and bridges. Yet, despite all the information available, many people still ask the question “are dental implants safe?”

This is understandable because after all, dental implants are a major undertaking that can bring about life-changing results. So of course, it’s only natural to consider your health and safety before undergoing such a process. Booking a free consultation at your local dental clinic might be the best way to solve all your questions. Find further details. 

Dental Implant Facts

Well-established treatment

Dental implants are a safe and well-established treatment for missing teeth that can last for as long as a patient is willing to care for them.

Biocompatible metal implant

Typically, dental implants are made from titanium – a material that is found to be compatible with the human body. Ultimately, this means that there is very little to no chance of the body rejecting it.

Implant surgery is 98% effective

Like all surgery, and dental implants are no exception, there are risks involved. However, due to the fact that dental implant placement has been tried, tested and honed over the last 50 years, many of the initial risks have now been minimised, so on average, dental implants are 98% successful. When you consider that about 5 million of these are placed each year, that’s around 4.95 million successful implants each and every year!

Dental implants procedures are well-planned

Before any dental implants are placed, there is a lot of planning that goes into it. Each patient undergoes medical checks and a series of X-rays to ensure that both their oral health and overall well-being are good.

Also, in many cases, the actual placement of any dental implants is played out virtually before the event to ensure pinpoint accuracy in both depth and trajectory.

Ensure you remain in good oral health

It may sound a bit of a contradiction that to be able to undergo dental implants you should ideally have a good standard of oral health – especially when missing one or more teeth. However, despite how good dental implants are, they do have an ‘Achilles heel’ in bacteria.

A bacterial imbalance otherwise known as a compromised immune system can cause huge problems for dental implants leading to infections around the implant site. Therefore the gums and mouth should be as healthy as possible before implants are placed to minimise any risk of developing peri-implantitis.

If you smoke, then quit

Okay, so this may be easier said than done, but it’s well documented that smoking can seriously affect the healing qualities that the body naturally has when dental implants are placed – particularly with regards to the osseointegration (bone fusion) process.

Smoking has been proven to slow down the healing process, so any small risk of implant failure is increased. As a result, most dentists will advise a patient to quit smoking – preferably altogether before undergoing dental implants – but at the very least, until the bone fusion process has been successful. This could be anywhere between 3-6 months.

Choose an experienced implant dentist

Even the best tools can prove less than perfect when in the hands of a poor operator, and the same is said for dental implants. Implants may be among some of the most technically advanced devices in the world having to absorb up to 200 lbs of bite pressure, but when in the hands of an inexperienced dentist, risks can be escalated.

On the contrary, a highly experienced dentist who has placed many dental implants has the skills to successfully place a restoration and the knowledge to know how to overcome any problems should they arise. It’s important, therefore, for potential patients to choose the right dentist or dental surgeon for the job.

With this in mind, don’t be afraid to ask them about their experience and the number of dental implants placed. Check out testimonials and reviews and really do your homework. Find a dentist that offers a free consultation to get all the details you need before treatment.

So there you have it – Hopefully, we’ve answered the question “are dental implants safe?” and what you can do as a potential patient to minimise any further risk.

The truth is that implant-based restorations offer life-changing solutions that other forms of missing tooth replacement can’t. So if you are considering dental implants but have a few reservations or concerns, then why not talk to the team at Beyond 32 Dental.

Our highly experienced team will take the time to answer all your questions and concerns, allowing you to make a fully informed decision. Contact us today to book a free consultation near you. Call us on (02) 9158 6334..