Are dental implants safe?

 

Are dental implants safe? - The Dental Centre

Whether it’s from gum disease, tooth decay and cavities, or unexpected impact injuries, many people end up losing a tooth – or even multiple teeth – throughout their lifetime.

However, losing teeth can have a strong negative impact on your day-to-day life, denting your confidence and even affecting your ability to bite, chew, or speak properly.

If you want a long-term solution to restore the functionality of your missing tooth/teeth and your self-esteem, dental implants could be the answer. The surgical procedure involves screwing a titanium root into the jaw and securely attaching an artificial tooth cap on top.

A dental implant will both look and function like a real tooth, providing a more permanent solution for tooth loss compared to the temporary fix of removable dentures, and affecting fewer teeth than a bridge – but is dental implant surgery safe?
If you’re considering this treatment yourself, here’s what you should know about getting dental implants to reassure you of their safety and benefits.

How safe are dental implants?

Qualified dental surgeons have been performing this procedure for decades now, with a high success rate and low risk of complications for approved dental implant patients.

Dentists will never carry out dental implant surgery if the candidate isn’t suitable for any reason. Whether other treatments are required first to ensure the patient is in good oral health or another option would be better for their personal circumstances, dentists will make other recommendations if necessary to ensure the best chances of success for the patient.

If you are assessed by a dentist and approved as a viable candidate for dental implants, you can rest assured that the dentist will be highly trained in performing this surgery, and that the methods and materials comply with thorough standardised tests to make sure they’re safe.

Dental implants use titanium because it’s an extremely biocompatible material, making it easier for the artificial root to integrate with your existing jawbone (osseointegration). The prosthetic tooth that is later attached to the titanium root is most often made of non-toxic, dental-grade porcelain.

Dental implant surgery is very safe, and in most cases, it’s much better for patients to get dental implants than to allow their oral health to deteriorate without them. Uneven pressure distribution while biting and chewing can cause other teeth to shift or break, and missing tooth roots can lead to loss of jawbone density, as they are no longer stimulating the jaw.

Getting dental implants will redistribute bite pressure properly and stimulate the jawbone again, strengthening it to reduce the sunken-in look that can result from receding jawbones.

 

What does dental implant surgery involve?

The dental implant procedure follows several stages to ensure the treatment is right for you and can achieve the results you’re looking for in a healthy way.


1) Attend a consultation with your dentist for a full examination of your teeth, gums, and mouth, plus an assessment of your medical history.


2) If there are no risk factors that could affect the safety of the surgery, the dentist will proceed to create a personalised treatment plan for you.


3) The dentist will explain the preparation, procedure, and aftercare in advance so you know what to expect, and can also help you to arrange a payment plan.


4) If you need any other treatments before receiving the dental implants, such as tooth extraction or a bone graft, this must be completed first.


5) On the day of the surgery, the dentist will use local anaesthetic to numb the area, then create a hole in your gum to insert the titanium post into your jaw. Depending on your treatment plan, they may fit a temporary crown so your new smile will be ready on the same day.


6) During a healing period of 3–6 months, the implant root will integrate with your jaw organically.


7) When your jaw is completely healed, you will return to the dentist to have the final custom-moulded prosthetic tooth fitted on the fully rooted implant.


Of course, there are many types of dental implants – including implant-supported bridges, single-tooth implants, and fully retained dentures – so the type you receive will depend on your specific condition and the recommendations of your dentist.

Book a consultation for dental implants

As long as your general health is in good condition and you don’t have gum disease or a significant lack of jawbone, you’re likely to be eligible for dental implant surgery.

Similarly, if you follow the dentist’s aftercare instructions to help your dental implants heal, and continue with oral hygiene routines to maintain them alongside your natural teeth, your dental implants should stay strong, secure, and comfortable for up to 20 years.

If you’re ready to replace your missing teeth and leave embarrassment and discomfort behind, why not arrange a consultation with The Dental Centre for dental implants London?

Our highly experienced dentists will be happy to carry out an initial consultation to discuss your needs and which treatment would be best for you. When we design your tailored dental care plan, we can also discuss dental finance options if you would like to pay in instalments.

To find out whether you’re eligible for dental implants or to learn more about our range of treatment options, call The Dental Centre on 020 7380 0034, or send us an email at [email protected] and we’ll be in touch soon.