Are Dental Implants Safe?
Mason & North Cincinatti, OH
 Tooth loss is a serious issue. When you lose teeth, no matter if you lose one or you lose many, it is important that those missing teeth be replaced. Today, you have several options when it comes to replacing missing teeth, including dental implants. While dental implants are the latest addition to your available options, they have quickly become the most popular. Implants provide several significant advantages over traditional treatments, including greater comfort, ease of care, and preservation of your jawbone. Despite a 98% success rate, many patients have concerns regarding their safety. Martin Periodontics is here to help.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a modern-day treatment for replacing missing teeth, providing you with an alternative to traditional bridges and dentures. This treatment involves the surgical implantation of small posts into your jawbone. The posts are used to provide support for the ceramic crowns that replace the visible surfaces of your missing teeth. As you heal, your jawbone fuses to the posts, a natural process called osseointegration. This process stabilizes the posts within your jaw, allowing them to hold your teeth securely in place.
The Safety of the Materials Used for Dental Implants
Most dental implants, approximately 95% of those placed, are made out of a titanium alloy. Titanium has been used for over 50 years and has been extensively researched. As a result, it is a well-understood material and is a commonly used material for knee and hip replacements. Because of the biocompatibility of titanium, it is well tolerated by your jaw and your gums. Your bone fuses to the material as you heal, which stabilizes the posts in your jaw so that they can provide the necessary support for your new teeth.
Ensuring Your Safety During Surgery
The placement of dental implants involves surgery. We have received extensive training and have significant experience in the placement of dental implants. Because the procedure has been done for decades, it is both safe and predictable. We take every measure possible to ensure your comfort during surgery, which includes a local anesthetic to prevent pain. We can also provide sedation, which will help you to relax.
After your surgery is complete, we provide you with specific aftercare instructions. Following these instructions is important for ensuring that you heal properly, reducing your risk of experiencing complications. It is common to experience some pain and swelling. Pain can often be managed with over the counter or prescription pain medications. Swelling can be managed with ice and heat packs. These side effects subside as you begin to heal.
Are There Any Risks Associated with Dental Implants?
While we take every measure possible to ensure the health of your implant, there are some potential complications that can develop in a small number of patients. Periodontal disease, smoking habits, inadequate oral hygiene, or poor upkeep with routine dental care can lead to disease of the tissue and breakdown of the bone around an implant. This can shorten the lifespan of your implants or result in sudden failure. Peri-implant disease can be managed, but it must be caught early. Preventative care and good oral hygiene is key to maintaining the health of your implants.
Dental implants have several years of research and development behind them. They are a well-understood treatment that is very safe and very effective. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the safety of dental implants, call Martin Periodontics at (513) 445-4282 today. |
(513) 445-4282
