Are Dental Implants Safe
Dallas, TX
 Missing teeth can cause a lot of emotional and physical distress. However, for many people, dental implantology is the answer to their missing teeth worries. As with any procedure, there is always a fear of complications that can arise. Therefore, the question remains, are dental implants safe? The answer is a resounding yes! If you're considering dental implants Dallas Oral Surgery Associates has you covered! Our dentists have years of experience with implantology and have several safety protocols to ensure the best outcome for patients.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are prosthetic teeth surgically implanted into the jawbone to replace missing or damaged teeth. They are made to look and feel just like your natural teeth and can be used to restore the full function of your mouth. Dental implants are made from biocompatible materials, such as titanium or zirconium oxide.
The implant, in the form of a screw, is integrated with the bone in your jaw to provide a secure, stable foundation for artificial teeth. Dental implants offer a more realistic look and feel like natural teeth than other prosthetic treatments, such as dentures and bridges. Plus, they are more durable and require less maintenance than other options.
Dental implants can replace single missing teeth, multiple teeth, or even an entire row of teeth. In some cases, implants may also be used to support dentures and other prosthetic treatments.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
Since dental implants are permanent replacements for missing teeth that look and function just like natural ones, the implant process is slightly more complex than other treatments and may take several months to complete.
The implant consists of three parts: the implant post, abutment, and dental prosthetic. The implant post, sometimes called a fixture, is made of titanium due to its biocompatibility, and it is surgically implanted into your jawbone. Fixtures are designed to mimic a natural tooth root function and taper at the base as it acts as an artificial tooth root.
Once placed, it takes several weeks or months to fuse with your jawbone through a process called osseointegration. Once this process is complete, a small connector piece is attached to the implant post to secure the prosthetic in place.
The dental prosthetic is the part visible above your gums and resembles a natural tooth. It may be made of porcelain, ceramic, or composite resin material and is customized to blend in with your remaining teeth.
Are Dental Implants Safe?
Dental implants are safe and have been used in dentistry for over 30 years and have an extremely high success rate—over 95%! The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has deemed them body-friendly since the materials used in dental implant systems are biocompatible, safe, and non-toxic. Moreover, the implant installation process keeps advancing, thanks to modern technologies. Although there is potential for infection and rejection, the chances of complications post-surgery are minor.
Both dental implants and bridges can be used as solutions to missing teeth, but they are vastly different in appearance and functionality. As the name implies, a dental bridge is used to bridge the gap created by a missing tooth. It is a prosthetic tooth that is bonded to adjacent teeth or implants.
On the other hand, a dental implant consists of a titanium post that is surgically inserted into the jawbone. Once the implant has bonded with the bone and healed, it is topped with a replacement tooth. Implants look and function more like natural teeth and require less maintenance than bridges. Dental implants provide a great option if you’re looking for a long-term replacement solution for one or more missing teeth.
Can Dental Implants Replace All Teeth?
While each person’s situation is different, dental implants can replace single, multiple, or even all teeth. Replacing all teeth with dental implants requires a comprehensive evaluation and treatment plan. If you think dental implants might be right for you, reach out to us here at Dallas Oral Surgery Associates or call us at 214-363-9946 today to schedule a consultation. |
