Dental Implants Are Safe For Everyone

In general, putting dental implants in is a relatively low-risk procedure. However, any patient healthy enough to undergo oral surgery, or have a tooth extracted, can probably qualify for dental implants. Dental implants are used primarily to replace missing teeth, and in some cases, dentures, to bridge a gap between teeth. In some severe dental emergencies, dental implants can also be used as a temporary substitute for lost teeth. For these reasons, it's important to discuss the pros and cons of dental implant placement with your dentist.

Although most people think of dental implants as permanent solutions to tooth loss, they aren't actually. They're simply meant to bridge a gap, or to replace a lost tooth. The prosthetic tooth is placed directly over the root system of the patient's natural tooth, creating a natural-looking, permanent solution to tooth loss. If the implants are of the fused variety - that is, they're made from the same material (so they won't clash with existing teeth) - they'll last for years, even decades, provided you take good care of them.

Are implants safe, though? While the general safety of implants is good, there are still potential concerns about the location of the new tooth, the stability of the fused jawbone, and the stability of the new prosthetic. A bone graft could be needed to integrate the prosthetic into the bone; the titanium screw can sometimes become loose and allow the jawbone to shift, jeopardizing the stability of the implants. While jawbone shift isn't usually a problem for patients who have had their teeth replaced, it does occasionally occur when the implants are used on areas with a lot of bone. It's best to avoid implants in these areas for this very reason: if an implant starts to slip out of place, the patient can easily lose a side or even an ear or a part of the face.

Since dentures are also placed into the jawbone in conjunction with dental implant procedures, there is potential for similar problems. If the dentures aren't strong enough to hold the new teeth securely in place, the patient may experience some pain or feel uncomfortable. The same can happen to those who wear dentures that don't properly fit - not to mention the potential for bad fitting implants that can interfere with speech.

One other potential concern is that there are risks to using an implant procedure in a place that has a history of poor oral health. An oral surgeon will need to look at the general condition of your gums, jawbone, and bones to assess whether there are any potential complications with the implants. You'll likely have to undergo an overnight procedure in which a small amount of your jawbone will be removed so the surgeon can get a better view of the bone structure in your mouth. The risk of bleeding during the procedure or in the months following may also arise if your oral hygiene isn't optimal.

Overall, the answer is yes, implants are extremely safe. With today's modern dental technology, they can help you have healthy teeth and a natural smile. Missing teeth or damaged teeth can seem like a huge hurdle when you're looking at a new life, but with the right procedure you can regain your mobility and your ability to enjoy the simple things in life like a smile. As long as you make sure to maintain a healthy oral hygiene routine and have your gums and jawbone examined by a professional before the procedure, you shouldn't have any serious problems following the procedure.