Getting dental implants is a major decision that can profoundly impact your oral health and overall well-being. Before you decide to get dental implants, it is crucial to understand the benefits and risks to help you better understand what you can expect when undergoing the procedure. But first, let’s talk about what dental implants are.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a type of prosthetic replacement for missing teeth. Unlike traditional dentures or bridges, dental implants are surgically placed into the jawbone, which eventually fuses with the surrounding bone and tissue. This allows them to form a secure, natural-looking base for artificial teeth.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
First, dental implants can improve oral health. Missing teeth can lead to various oral health problems, including bone loss, misalignment of remaining teeth, and an increased risk of gum disease. Dental implants are surgically implanted into the jawbone and act as a replacement for missing teeth. They provide a strong foundation to support the replacement teeth, and they can help prevent bone loss by stimulating the jawbone and encouraging new bone growth.
Second, dental implants look and feel like natural teeth. They are designed to be indistinguishable from your other teeth, and they can be used to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or even a full set of teeth. This provides an improved aesthetic and can help you regain your confidence.
Third, dental implants can improve your overall quality of life. Since they are permanently fixed into the jawbone, they provide a secure foundation for chewing and speaking. This can help you eat and speak with greater confidence, and it can improve your overall quality of life.
Finally, dental implants are a long-lasting solution for missing teeth. Unlike other forms of tooth replacement, such as dentures or bridges, dental implants can last for decades with proper care. This means that you can enjoy a beautiful smile for years to come, and you won’t have to worry about replacing your implants any time soon.
What about the Risks?
The first risk associated with dental implants is the risk of infection. As with any surgery, there is a chance of infection, which can lead to serious complications such as bone loss and tissue damage. Your dentist will ensure that the implant is placed in a sterile environment and the area is thoroughly cleaned before the procedure.
Another risk associated with dental implants is nerve damage. The implant is placed directly into the jawbone, and if the surgeon isn’t careful, it can cause nerve damage. This can lead to a lack of feeling in the mouth and, in some cases, a loss of movement in the face. The risk of nerve damage can be minimized by choosing an experienced surgeon who has done the procedure many times.
The third risk is implant failure. Like any other medical procedure, there is always the chance of failure. This could be due to the implant not bonding properly with the bone or infection. If the implant fails, it will need to be removed and replaced, which could be costly and time-consuming.
The fourth risk is gum recession. When an implant is placed, the dentist will need to make an incision in the gum to insert the implant. If the incision isn’t properly sealed, bacteria can get in and cause infection, leading to gum recession.
Finally, there is the risk of anesthesia-related complications. Anesthesia ensures the patient doesn’t feel any pain during the procedure, but it can also cause complications such as nausea, dizziness, and even more serious reactions.
While there are inherent risks, the truth is that, with any procedure out there, risks exist. Fortunately, dental implants have come a long way, and they offer many benefits that outweigh the risks. In fact, with improved materials, techniques, and the like, they’ve become safer and more effective than ever. So, if you’re looking to have dental implants, be sure to reach out to a professional dentist today.
MDIS® offers a team of professional dentists that offers consultation, implant placement, and delivery of crowns. If you are looking for affordable dental implants in Livingston, Sarasota, Sun City Center, or Tampa, contact us today!
