Is Dental Implant Surgery Safe?

The installation of dental implants is a surgery and, as with any surgery there are risks. Dentists have been installing dental implants for several decades now, and the technology has advanced by leaps and bounds. Modern dental implants are very sophisticated prosthetics designed and placed by highly trained dental professionals like Dr. Leonard Hess of Monroe, NC. Read on to learn why dental implants are widely regarded by patients and dentists alike as one of the strongest and most reliable methods of replacing missing teeth.affordable dental implants in Charlotte North Carolina

Benefits Of Dental Implants

Dental implants restore the appearance and function of your smile by replacing missing, damaged, or infected teeth. This allows dental implant recipients to once again eat, speak and smile with confidence and in comfort. Implants are made to last with a titanium screw as their root and can last decades with only minimal adjustments or none at all. And because they are embedded into the jawbone, implants stimulate new, healthy bone growth, preventing bone loss which can lead to a shrinking mouth or shifting teeth.

Risks Of Dental Implants

As with any other surgery, there are possible complications that can occur when a patient has dental implants installed. However, problems encountered with dental implants are usually rare, minor and easily repaired.  Risks include:

  • Infection of the site
  • Damage to teeth, blood vessels, or nerves in the surgical area
  • Implant rejection
  • Sinus problems
  • Material of replacement tooth and potential allergies (usually made of titanium or zirconia)

Working with an experienced and professional dentist like Dr. Hess means that your implant procedure has a much smaller risk of problems.

In addition to the decay or damage that caused the loss of a tooth or teeth, many patients that lost teeth some time ago find that they have already suffered some degree of bone regression. For these patients bone graft surgeries, that involve harvesting bone from other areas of the body and replacing it on the jaw where it will eventually fuse to the existing bone, will be needed. This procedure will allow the jawbone to eventually be stable enough to support implants. Since these grafts are additional surgeries, they come with their own risks and complications such as infection, more discomfort and longer recuperation time.

The Success Rate Of Dental Implants

Today’s dental implants generally have a success rate of about 95%, meaning only 5% of patients were dissatisfied or had problems with their implant. Although this rate varies depending on the patient, the dentist, the number of implants needed, the methods used, and other factors, it supports the fact that dental implants are a very effective way to restore your smile. Titanium implants — which are the industry standard — can last up to 20 years or longer, while zirconium implants — which are a newer and more expensive option — can last even longer.

Dental Implants in Monroe, NC

If you have lost teeth or have teeth that cannot be saved, implants may the dental restoration option for you. For patients in the Monroe and Charlotte, NC area, please call 704.240.5045 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hess to see if dental implants can help you have the smile you want!