Dental implant surgery has been around for some time now. It involves replacing missing teeth with screw-like metal posts made of titanium. The implant dentist sets the foundation for a new tooth by surgically placing the metal posts in the missing tooth gap. The good thing with dental implant surgery is that the new tooth replacements work much like the old tooth. They’re durable and, if well maintained, can bear several benefits that last a lifetime.
What Is The Downside Of Dental Implants, If Any?
Sadly, not all procedures work when replacing missing teeth, and dental implants are no exception. Dental implant surgery is regarded one of the most successful dental surgery procedures with a 98% success rate but is still associated with certain risks that you must consider. Fortunately, most of these risks are rare and easily avoided or fixed by a trustworthy North Scottsdale Dentistry.
Here are the downsides of dental implants that might make you rethink other options.
Dental Implant Fracture
A broken or fractured implant abutment screw may present a challenge even for the most experienced dentist. Broken implants are one of the most challenging complications to fix. Dentists will remove the broken screw and replace it with another one. Unfortunately, the remaining bone may not be strong enough to support a new implant.
Fractured abutments, on the other hand, are not as difficult to fix as broken implants. They easily can be replaced with new ones.
Nerve Damage
When drilled too deep inside the jawbone, dental implants may hit the underlying inferior alveolar nerve. Nerve damage may further cause pain or numbness or a tingling feeling in your gums, chin, and other teeth depending on the seriousness of the damage.
The dentist needs to inform you about the risks of nerve damage during surgery when fitting implants. Should you choose to proceed, always ensure that you check in with the dentist every once in a while after the surgery. If you experience pain 8 hours after dental implant surgery, it could indicate potential nerve damage, which you must not ignore.
Infection of the dental implant tooth
Implants are not prone to dental caries. However, they’re susceptible to infection. Just like normal teeth, implants need regular cleaning to avoid a plaque buildup which may further lead to gum irritation or worse. In severe cases, an infection of the implant may spread out to the gum or bone.
Fortunately, early diagnosis and treatment of an infected implant tooth can prevent further damage. Therefore, it is essential to visit your dentist regularly, get regular checkups, and minimize the risks of an infection.
Failed Osseointegration (Failure to integrate)
Osseointegration refers to the direct connection between a living bone and the implant surface. Sadly, implants may fail to integrate with the jaw bone for several reasons, for instance, implant malposition.
Loss of Bone Tissue
Dental implants may exhibit a high success rate, but one ought to consider the potential loss of bone tissue around the implant. Technically, dental implants should help retain the bone mass in your jaw. However, it is common to find patients losing significant bone around the implant over the years.
For this reason, you need a skilled, trained, and certified dental implant dentist. An experienced dentist knows how to perform the procedure professionally. The dentist should also know what needs to be done to keep your implant in its rightful position for a life-long service.
The Cost
Dental implant surgery is quite costly. One implant alone may cost a few hundred or thousand, but the total figure depends on how many implants you want. In addition, your insurance may not be willing to cover yours, meaning that you might have to seek alternative funding.
However, before seeking other cheaper options, it would be best to consult with your dentist first. This way, you can learn how much they actually cost (dental implants might actually be cheaper than you think) and learn about the various finance options available.
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Who Needs Dental Implants?
Generally, anyone with a missing tooth is a suitable candidate for dental implants. You may need dental implants to:
- Replace missing teeth
- Restore normal functions like chewing, biting
- Restore your radiant smile and enhance your self-esteem
- Create solid support for dentures or bridges
- Eliminate discomfort when adjacent teeth shift towards the missing tooth gap
Dental Implant Surgery from Experienced Dentists
Dental implant surgery is safe and predictable despite the minimal risks, especially when performed by an experienced dentist. Whether you’re getting new implants to restore normal function or enhance your smile and confidence, getting in touch with a reliable dentist is the first step to a healthy smile.
