Are Dental Implants Safe?

Dental implants are excellent ways to restore both the look and function of your smile. However, one of the biggest concerns patients have with these artificial teeth is whether they are safe. 

Well, the short answer is that yes, dental implants are safe, but like all things, they are not completely risk-free. 

Dental Implant Failure Rate 

Dental implants only fail in around 3% of surgeries. Overall, the procedure is extremely safe and unlikely to lead to complications, particularly if you take the steps to maintain your implant and support healing.

The low failure rate happens because, before getting the procedure, patients are carefully screened to make sure they are the right candidates for implants. 

Here are some of the factors that can determine if dental implants are right for you:

• Gum health: Dental implants need healthy gums; otherwise, the healing process could suffer delays and the surgery can even fail.‍
• Jaw bone mass and health: Implants also need healthy bone and a sufficient amount so that the metal post can be fully inserted into the jaw;‍
• Titanium allergy: Dental implant posts are made from titanium, which is well tolerated by most people. Unfortunately, those with titanium allergies cannot get the procedure.‍
• Pre-existing conditions: Certain medical conditions like diabetes may affect how the implant heals. The same goes for some treatments, like chemotherapy.

What Leads to Dental Implant Failure?

The most common cause of implant failure is an infection called peri-implantitis, which is a form of gum disease. It can be caused by improper oral health habits that allow bacteria to attack the gums and eventually make their way to the implant. 

But implant failure can also occur if the dentist doesn’t review your case properly and fails to notice an issue that could affect healing. For instance, if they don’t discover a titanium allergy, the body will start rejecting the implant as soon as it's introduced into the tooth socket. 

What Can You Do to Prevent Implant Failure? 

First, you need to work with an experienced dentist near you who will take great care with the process from start to finish. This increases your chances of a successful implant surgery tremendously. 

Then, it’s vital to care for the implant site and support its healing through:

• Good oral hygiene habits (daily brushing and flossing)
• Chewing on the other side of the mouth until the site heals
• Resting right after surgery to prevent bleeding
• Not smoking 
• Follow all post-surgical care instructions from your dentist.
• Monitor your body and reach out as soon as possible if you experience any discomfort.

Dental Implants in Raleigh: Get Started on Your New Smile 

Dental implants are nothing to worry about. Dr. Daiana Atari can help you find out if they are the right tooth replacement solution for you! 

Request a visit to Smileplicity Dentistry online or call us at (919) 298-2308 today.