The Advantages and Risks of Dental Implants

Missing teeth can affect not only your smile and self-confidence but also your overall oral health. Tooth loss will sometimes lead to further problems such as misalignment of other teeth as well as the deterioration of the entire jawbone.

Luckily, however, with more recent developments in the field of dentistry, new and improved methods of replacing teeth and restoring oral health have been introduced. The most common and widespread of these procedures are dental implants. For those of us who don’t know, dental implants are small titanium posts that are placed in the jawbone to support a dental prosthesis. It is done via surgery and has numerous benefits but also a few risks. Nevertheless, this is, by far the most preferred method of replacing missing teeth.

What Are the Advantages of Dental Implants?

Since these dental implants construct of titanium, the body will not reject or recognize it as a foreign object – as can happen with other various metals or materials. It means that the implant will integrate with the surrounding tissue and act as a root for the artificial tooth and other dental restoration procedures such as crowns, bridges, or dentures. They provide an unmatched level of durability and stability, making them a popular and widespread restorative treatment.

With the help of such dental implants, patients can bite, chew, speak, and smile; without worrying whether it’s noticeable or that it will slip out. With better and more advanced technology and materials, virtually no type of food is off the table, so to speak, meaning that people can eat steaks, apples, and other hard foods with no concerns.

Dental implants will also prevent the loss of jawbone that happens after a tooth root has been extracted or missing for prolonged periods. Furthermore, this type of treatment will also ensure that no healthy teeth will be affected if a dental bridge was needed. Traditionally, the adjacent teeth had to support the bridge, which increased the risk of damage or decay, although it is no longer the case with dental implants.

Lastly, implants require the same kind of care as natural teeth, as opposed to removable restorations which need a specific routine and solutions to keep clean.

What Are the Risks of Dental Implants? 

It’s, nevertheless, essential to remember that dental implants require surgery and there are always inherent risks that come attached to this type of procedure. Even though problems and complications are rare, they can happen. These can include:

  • Sinus problems when implants are not fixed correctly in the upper jaw
  • Infection at the surgical site
  • Injury or damage to surrounding teeth, nerves, blood vessels, or jaw

There is also the small possibility that the implant will be rejected. Factors that can lead to a failed implant include:

Conclusion

Dental implants are the preferred therapeutic procedure around the world. The rate of success is extremely high and is an excellent alternative to traditional methods. With good oral hygiene, the likelihood of the implants sticking is strong.