If you think you might need a dental implant, this question can get in the way of you taking the next steps. Surgery can be scary—even one as simple as a dental implant.
Should you voluntarily put something foreign in your mouth? What if no one can tell you’re missing a tooth? Are dental implants safe long term? How long does a dental implant procedure take? Should you bother going through the implant process at all?
Your concerns are valid, but we’re here to tell you there’s nothing to worry about. We’ve put together this guide to help understand how an implant will affect your health and why it’s one of the best options for replacing a missing tooth. Let’s get started!
How Safe Are Dental Implants?
In short, yes. Dental implant surgery is a safe procedure with a 98% success rate. If you’re a healthy adult, you shouldn’t experience any problems when getting this treatment.
Many implants are made of titanium, a metal that’s bio-compatible with the bones, gums, nerves, and everything else in your mouth. You won’t have to worry about experiencing an allergic reaction or (in most cases) an infection. Here at Gordon Dental, we only use Surgical Titanium Implants to ensure our patients get the safest and best materials.
In fact, implants simulate the natural appearance, feeling, and function of a real tooth better than any other dental treatment. Once your implant heals, you won’t even be able to notice the difference between it and the rest of your teeth.
Are Implants Safe Long-Term?
The integrity of your dental implant won’t get worse with age. As long as you continue to take care of your implant (like brushing and flossing every day), it can last the rest of your life.
However, this applies to the implant only. Depending on the crown’s quality that sits on top of the implant—the part that looks like a tooth—may need to be replaced after 10 to 15 years. This is a simple task, though, and decrease the effectiveness of your implant. Please note we use the highest quality porcelain and zirconia crowns with our implants to last a lifetime.
Can They Make You Sick?
In most cases, no. An implant will not make you sick, but there is a small chance you could develop symptoms that reflect illness if you get an infection. These include things like:
- A fever
- Swollen gums
- Pus or bleeding from the gums
- Tiredness and pain
- Bad breath that won’t go away
- Trouble chewing and eating
The chances of experiencing these symptoms after an implant procedure, though, is low. If you follow your dentist’s instructions during the recovery process, your implant will heal quickly without hiccups.
Feeling pain or sensitivity around your new implant is normal, but it shouldn’t last long. Any discomfort usually subsides after a few days.
Do Dental Implants Have Any Risks?
Like any medical surgery, there are a few risks involved with dental implants. However, these risks are rare. The most common negative effect of this procedure is infection.
If you notice any of the warning signs of an infection (listed above), you should get in touch with your dentist right away. They’ll be able to prescribe you medication, give you a special mouthwash, or figure out the right treatment plan to get you back on track.
But again, as long as you follow your dentist’s instructions about how to take care of your dental implant and what foods to avoid, you shouldn’t develop an infection. Even if you do, it will likely be small—something your dentist can get rid of quickly.
Remember, implants have a 98% success rate. Going ahead with the surgery is a much better option than dealing with poor-fitting dentures, broken teeth, not eating the foods you love, or worse, having to feel embarrassed and hide your smile. Not only can this hurt your self-esteem, but it can also lead to bone loss in your jaw, which can make the surrounding teeth crooked or loose and can even lead to more teeth falling out.
Getting an implant is much better and, in the long run, cheaper than going through life without teeth. Dental implants not only give you a healthy mouth but restore your confidence, which is priceless.
Is Getting a Dental Implant Worth It?
For most people, getting dental implants is worth the cost and minor discomfort you have to go through during the procedure. Once you heal, you’ll have new natural-looking teeth that can do everything your regular teeth do, and you won’t have to worry about it getting loose or falling out again in the future.
Do you have concerns about whether or not a dental implant is a right choice for you?
Have a conversation with your dentist. They’ll be able to walk through different treatment options and let you know if you’re a good candidate for an implant. Unless you have significant bone loss or severe gum disease, this procedure should work for you.
Schedule Your Dental Implant Consultation Today
If you’re still juggling questions like “are dental implants safe?” around in your head, you should schedule a dental implant consultation with your dentist.
Not sure where to go? Our team at Gordon Dental is the best dental implant option in the Leawood, KS, and Kansas City, MO, area. Instead of recommending an implant and sending you to a different office, we have an in-house lab on location. That allows us to walk you through every step of the implant process, from the first consultation to your last check-up.
Since we handle everything in one office, you only have to pay one fee, making the procedure much easier and cheaper. Depending on your condition, you may be able to get an implant on the same day as your appointment.
Are you ready to schedule your consultation? Don’t hesitate to give us a call at (913) 649-5017. We can’t wait to meet you and give you a smile you’ll love!