Part of living a long and healthy life is avoiding any dangerous activity and unnecessary risk. For some, that may even include avoiding any elective medical or dental procedures. If you’ve been considering dental implants, but are concerned about the safety of this treatment, here’s why there’s no need to worry about this life-changing procedure!
How Safe Are Dental Implants?
With decades of data to back it up, dental implant surgery is considered extremely safe. In fact, today’s dental implants boast an impressive 95 percent success rate, even ten years after placement. Thanks to a better understanding of how these prosthetics work and what causes them to fail, your dentist can now successfully treat any underlying conditions that could increase your odds of failure and protect your restorations for a lifetime.
What are the Risks of Dental Implant Surgery?
The risks of dental implant surgery are very low. As with any procedure, the main concern is infection at the site. This odds of this can be lowered by following your dentist’s aftercare instructions as closely as possible, including taking any prescribed antibiotics, keeping your mouth clean, and avoiding using a straw or smoking after surgery.
Other risks include failed osseointegration (where the implant fuses with the bone), and peri-implantitis, a gum infection like periodontal disease that can be caused by poor oral hygiene.
How Can I Avoid Dental Implant Failure?
While it may not be possible to avoid dental implant failure entirely, you can do your best to prevent it by following these guidelines:
- Brush your teeth (both real and prosthetic) twice a day and floss daily.
- Avoid bad oral habits like smoking or using tobacco products.
- Never use your teeth or implants to open packaging, bite fingernails, or crunch anything too hard like hard candies or ice cubes.
- If you grind your teeth or play sports, wear an appropriate mouthguard.
- Visit your dentist every six months for your preventive oral health checkups and cleanings, even if you have no remaining natural teeth.
Remember, while dental implant surgery is extremely safe and these dynamic prosthetics have earned a reputation for durability and strength, they will only last as long as you care for them. To that end, be sure to follow the above tips and you’ll give yourself the best odds for a lifetime of smiles!
About Dr. Chaffee
Dr. Gary Chaffee graduated from the Loma Linda University School of Dentistry in 1975 and has since then become an International Instructor for Progressive Orthodontics and a Certified Invisalign Provider. He is also a proud member of the American Dental Association, California Dental Association, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. To schedule an appointment at Paraiso Family Dental & Orthodontics for dental implants, visit our website or call us today at 805-480-0033.