Do you want to get dental implants? Are you confused about getting those? Let us clear your doubts! If you have lost a tooth recently and are looking to replace it, you can go for it. As we know, dental implants are fixed artificial alternatives for missing or lost teeth, these are considered the only permanent tooth replacement because the implant acts as a replacement tooth root. 

But, the question is “Are dental implants safe?” If you are looking for the answer, keep on reading! For many people, dental implants are very safe. Your dentist may recommend them if you are in good health. But, let’s explore further!  

Yes, Dental Implants are safe! 

Dental implants are considered safe in many cases. Factors that affect how successful your dental implants are can depend on your overall health, oral health, age, and lifestyle habits. The implants can remarkably enhance the quality of life and the health of a person who requires them. So, yes you can go for them! 

What makes you an eligible candidate for implants? 

There are many reasons that make you a perfect candidate for getting a dental implant. The reasons include you:

• Overall good health
• The health of your gums
• Strength of your jawbone
• Whether you don’t smoke
• Whether you don’t have an autoimmune disorder or other problem that slows down the healing

Dental Implants: The Process

During dental implant surgery, your Dentist will:

1. Give you anesthesia– They’ll administer local anesthesia to numb your gums. If you opted for sedation, they’ll give you those medications as well.
2. Create an incision- Once you’re comfortable, your Dentist will make an incision (cut) in your gums where the dental implant will go. This exposes the bone underneath so your Dentist can place the implant.
3. Prepare your jaw- Next, your Dentist will use a series of specialized instruments to create an opening in your jawbone. They’ll widen the opening until it’s just the right diameter for your new dental implant.
4. Place the dental implant- Then, your Dentist will carefully place the dental implant into your jaw.
5. Close the incisions- Finally, they reposition your gums and close the incision with stitches.

The steps for dental implant placement are generally the same for everyone. But sometimes, a Dentist can place a dental implant and restoration (like a crown or bridge) all in one visit. Most of the time, however, you’ll need a few months for the implant to heal before your dentist can safely place a final restoration. In these cases, your dentist can make a temporary (usually removable) restoration for you to wear during the healing phase.

Helping the effects last!

Patients can have the implants last for a longer time by cleaning the mouth perfectly. They can take the same care that would be taken with natural teeth, which includes standard flossing and brushing to stop gum disease. Patients can also use precise brushes created to move between the implants.

Benefits of Dental Implants! 

Dental implants can transform your life entirely. It allows you to speak without the worry that teeth might slip. Implants help in eradicating the distress of removable dentures making eating more comfortable, improving oral health and hygiene, etc.  Have a look at the following mentioned benefits! 

• Maintain the Health of Surrounding Teeth- The nearby healthy teeth have to be filed down when one obtains a bridge to connect them. But an implant doesn’t risk the goodness of other teeth.
• Look Like Natural Teeth – More natural look and feel good. With implants, you cannot be able to tell the distinction between a natural tooth and an implanted one. Further, the Dental Implant recovers the chewing power, and one can brush and floss without any additional care. The assured smile is restored with implants and you can eat almost anything.
• Bone Preservation- The resorption of the bone can be avoided with implants. The remaining teeth don’t slide into the space left by a lost tooth or the shape of the jaw doesn’t change due to the bone loss as dental implants replace the root as well as the tooth and hence promote the preservation of the bone. 
• Implants are Long-Lasting- Dental Implants are a permanent solution to missing teeth unlike dentures, bridgework, or other similar restorations. As long as good care is taken of the teeth and the implant, they can last a lifetime. 
• Caring for Dental Implants- The right oral care practices can go a long way to extend the life of the dental implant. Brushing the implant at least twice a day along with the rest of the teeth using a soft toothbrush is important. Brushing the crown all around and underneath is very vital too.

Flossing at least once a day with an interdental floss that is coated in nylon can help patients remove bits of food from underneath the implant. A regular visit to the dentist can also help keep the implants and mouth healthy. 

Complications from dental implants include: There can be some problems during surgery, such as harm to your other teeth, damage to the tissues or bone in your mouth or sinus cavity, or even nerve damage. There are slight chances that these can be a failure causing a loose implant that doesn’t function well (such as for chewing or when speaking). But it matters from person to person. 

Alternatives to dental implants

In case you are not an ideal candidate for dental implants or choose not to undergo the procedure, there are other treatments you may want to explore:

• Bridges
• Full or partial dentures
• A root canal if you’re able to save the existing tooth or teeth

You may also decide to forego any replacements and leave spaces in your mouth if you are missing a tooth or teeth. Keep in mind that this could affect eating and speaking. Also, the gap in your mouth may affect other teeth eventually.

To Conclude: 

Dental implants are considered safe in many cases. Factors that affect how successful your dental implants can depend on your overall health, oral health, age, and lifestyle habits. Dental implants offer a strong, practical & attractive alternative for missing teeth restoring the look, feel, and health of your mouth. If you are concerned about it or have any doubts regarding having dental implants, give us a call and we’ll guide you through!