Are Dental Implants Safe?

You have more options than ever before to replace lost teeth, like dental implants. 500,000 people each year are investing in dental implants because they are the next best thing to real teeth. A dental implant is the only treatment to recreate both the root and the crown, but is it safe? Yes! Here are 5 factors that ensure their success. 

1. Comprehensive Consultation

Most patients with good oral and general health are candidates for dental implants. However, your dentist will still need to learn more about you to ensure they are a safe solution. 

They’ll perform a visual examination and review a CT scan of your mouth to look for any concerns, like gum disease or bone loss. 

They’ll also learn more about your medical history and any medications you’re taking because some can increase your risk of complications, like:

• Autoimmune Diseases
• Uncontrolled Diabetes
• Certain Medications
• Gum Disease
• Osteoporosis
• Smoking
• Chemotherapy or Radiation to the Head or Neck
• Excess Alcohol Consumption
• Untreated Bruxism

If you have any pre-existing conditions, you can still benefit from dental implants with a few precautions.

2. Advanced Technology

From start to finish, advanced technology promotes the safety and success of the procedure. A CT scan allows your dentist to see every detail of your oral structures. Not only is this used for diagnosis, but it is influential in treatment planning and execution. Your dentist can pinpoint the exact location for your implant posts. Computer-guided placement eliminates the risk of any complications for unmatched accuracy. 

3. Titanium

Titanium revolutionized the dental implant procedure because it is biocompatible. It integrates well with human bone, allowing the implant post to stay in place forever. Your bone will fuse to the post through a process called osseointegration. After your bone has healed, your dental implant can last for 30 years or more with the right aftercare.

4. Good Oral Hygiene

Peri-implantitis is a common cause of dental implant failure. It’s a preventable infection that’s like gum disease. Good oral hygiene habits will prevent infection to keep your mouth and body healthy. 

Strive to brush your teeth after every meal. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and nonabrasive toothpaste to brush for 2 minutes. Floss every day and use an antimicrobial mouthwash. 

5. Regular Dental Care

Besides caring for your smile at home, regular dental care is also important. Visit your dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and checkup. Your dentist will monitor your oral health to detect anything concerning while it’s still small.

Dental implants are a proven solution to treat tooth loss once and for all. With the right dentist by your side, you have nothing to worry about while on your journey to a complete smile.

About Dr. David Earnest

Dr. Earnest earned his dental degree at the University of Texas Health Science Center and has regularly continued his education in advanced specialties, like dental implants. He is a member of many professional organizations, including the Academy of Osseointegration and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. Request an appointment through our website or call (830) 302-3304.