Dental implants are one of the most popular tooth replacement options due to their incredible durability and realistic feel. That may be why, according to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, around 500,000 people get dental implants each year.
However, while dental implants are popular, some people are wary of the procedure. Dental implants require surgery, which leads some people to be unsure about their safety for more vulnerable patients. If you want to know more about the risks associated with dental implant surgery, here’s a guide that may be able to help you.
Are Dental Implants Safe?
As was mentioned previously, dental implants are remarkably popular. That’s due in part to the merits that were discussed previously, but also because of their remarkable consistency. Over 95% of dental implants not only succeed, but last for over 20 years if maintained properly.
With that in mind, it’s fair to say that dental implants are an incredibly safe tooth replacement option. A massive majority of people who get them won’t have any issues at all.
What Risks Come with Dental Implants?
That said, no surgery is without risks, and dental implants aren’t an exception to that. The primary danger associated with dental implants is infection. If the healing process after the surgery is delayed, that gives bacteria in the mouth the opportunity to creep into the surgical area and attack bone tissue.
While rare, these bacterial infections can cause serious issues for the integrity of your dental implant and can produce painful abscesses that require professional attention.
Who Should be Cautious about Dental Implants?
The risk for infection is greater for some people than others. People who are likely to have an issue with healing quickly after getting dental implants—diabetics, cancer patients, people taking immunosuppressants, etc.—have to be the most careful.
Smoking can also significantly delay healing. One study conducted in Italy found that smokers were 14% more likely than other patients to see their implants fail. That’s why most physicians will recommend that you quit smoking for at least two weeks before and ninety days after the dental implant procedure.
Hopefully, this guide convinced you of the truth about dental implants: that they’re incredibly safe. If you’re looking to replace a tooth soon, they’re definitely worth considering as a tooth replacement option.
About the Author
Dr. Michael Byars is a dentist who works hard to keep his patients comfortable as he works with them to help them find their perfect smiles. He enjoys building a relationship with his patients based on a shared goal of helping them improve their oral health. Dr. Byars received his doctorate from the University of Missouri – Kansas City. He then completed The Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency, which provided him with a wide breadth of knowledge about his chosen field.
If you have any questions about dental implants, he can be reached at his website or by phone at (816) 781-8222.