The Benefits and Risks of Dental Implants
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Dental implants are one of the most effective treatment options for restoring missing teeth. Missing teeth not only affect your smile and self-confidence but can also cause shifting of adjacent teeth and gradual bone atrophy. Like any surgical procedure, the dental implant surgery does come with inherent medical risks that are often outweighed by the many benefits dental implants offer.
Dental implants are titanium screws that are placed in the jaw and are supported by overlying prosthesis (artificial teeth). Implants have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their outstanding durability and increased success rate. Keep reading to discover the benefits and risks of dental implants.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants are root analogs, which means they perform a function similar to a tooth root. They are placed within the jaws similar to natural tooth roots therefore they offer many benefits:
- They are comfortable and convenient to place and function.
- Dental implants protect healthy adjacent teeth and prevent them from migration.
- Unlike a tooth-supported bridge, which requires grinding of natural teeth, dental implants will not damage adjacent teeth.
- They offer the most stable support for restorations, like a crown or denture.
- Unlike a removable denture, using implants, patients can eat, speak, and laugh with total confidence that their artificial teeth will not slip out of place.
- They are durable, usually offering a lifetime solution with proper care.
- They offer an exclusive advantage over other types of restorations. Because they serve as a tooth root, dental implants prevent bone loss in the surrounding jaw which occurs when a tooth and its root have been missing for an indefinite time.
Potential risks of dental implants?
Dental implants are relatively safe, but like any surgical procedure, they do present some health risks.
Dental implant risks and complications may include:
- Implant rejection: There is little chance that your implant will be rejected by the body, meaning become loose, which would require removal.
- Periimplantitis: Infection at the implant site, which again may dictate removal.
- Injury or damage to the surrounding teeth, nerves, and blood vessels.
- Sinus problems when improperly placed in the upper jaw.
These risks and complications can be minimized when the implant procedure is performed by an experienced dentist. Besides, certain procedures increase success like the addition of bone grafts before implant placement.
Dental implants are not for everyone. You may not be a good candidate for dental implants if you:
- Smoke.
- Are taking medications like bisphosphonates.
- Have metabolic bone disease.
- Have had previous radiation therapy.
- Have uncontrolled diabetes.
Because these are relatively rare risks, dental implants continue to grow in popularity because of the benefits they offer. Implants have a remarkably high success rate, and long-term complications are rare.
Find Out if Implants are Right for You
To learn more about whether implants are right for you and to schedule your consultation, call us at 713-330-7700 or visit us at one of our 8 locations.