Are Dental Implants Safe? – 5 Reasons That Give Us The Answer

According to data released by the Australian Dental Association (ADA) in 2019, Australian adults had an average of 4.5 missing teeth and around 61% of people over the age of 75 were suffering from mild or serious periodontal disease.  

If your teeth are failing or you’re about to have teeth extracted, then perhaps it’s time to consider dental implants. 

Implants have fast become the ‘go-to’ treatment for replacing missing teeth and provide patients with a life-like and long-lasting alternative to conventional bridges and dentures. Yet, even though implants have become popular, one of the most frequent questions we get asked is “are dental implants safe?

It’s hardly surprising that people are concerned with the safety aspect of dental implants. After all, getting implants involves undergoing dental implant surgery and also represents a significant investment not only in terms of their oral health but financially too. 

So, let’s take a look at some of the facts relating to the dental implant procedure to help put your mind at rest. 

Are dental implants safe? 5 reasons that tell us, yes

1. Dental implants are a well-established procedure

Dental implants have proved durable and long-lasting and with care have the potential to last a lifetime. Now, you’re probably wondering how long is a lifetime and, of course, that varies from one person to another. 

What we do know is that the first-ever implant patient still had fully functional implants when he passed away some 40 years later. It’s fair to say with proper dental care dental implants have the potential to last for up to 20 decades if not more. 

2. Biocompatible material

Implants are made from titanium which is a biocompatible material. What this means is that it won’t cause the body to reject it following dental implant surgery and because bone loves it, the two fuse together to make the implant a permanent fixture in the mouth. In fact, it’s this process (known as osseointegration) that plays a critical part in the success of a dental implant procedure. 

3. Dental implant surgery is 95% successful

Speaking of dental implant surgery, it’s fair to say that like any surgeries there are risks involved.

However, dentists and scientists have spent the past 5 decades carrying out research, performing studies, and testing and honing their skills to the point where the average success rate is now around 95%.

Advances in dental materials and technologies have made dental implants the gold standard of tooth replacement. 

4. Precision planning

Before patients can undergo the dental implant procedure patients are carefully assessed to determine if they are suitable candidates. X-rays and 3D images will be taken for dentists to establish that a patient has sufficient healthy bone to support a dental implant. 

Their dental and medical history will also be assessed to determine they are in good dental health and medically as fit as they can be to undergo dental implant surgery. Virtual precision planning is carried out before surgery takes place which means that the act of dental implant surgery is only minor and for most people is over surprisingly quickly. 

5. Expertise and experience 

Furthermore, many implant dentists, oral surgeons and periodontists are highly regarded in their field of expertise and have successfully placed thousands of implants between them. And with the advent of digitalised dental implants, surgeries are faster, safer, and more comfortable for patients. 

While the 5 reasons above all point to the conclusion that yes, dental implants are safe you may be wondering if there is anything you can do as a patient to ensure the dental implant procedure is as risk-free as possible. Well, let’s take a look 

3 Ways To Safeguard Your Dental Implant

Maintain good oral health

Poor oral health is one of the leading reasons that dental implants fail. Untreated gum disease can quickly accelerate into periodontal disease that has the potential to cause gum recession and bone erosion, which ultimately may cause your implant to fail. This can occur during the dental implant procedure as well as months and years following implant surgery. So committing to good oral hygiene needs to be for life. 

Give up smoking

Anyone who smokes will be asked to quit for the entire duration of the dental implant procedure and hopefully for good. Smoking slows down the healing process and can also cause an infection that can negatively impact your implant. 

Choose an experienced dentist 

Your choice of implant dentist is also crucial to the success of your dental implants. An experienced implant dentist not only has the necessary skills to place an implant at the right trajectory and depth but also knows how to overcome any problems and adapt should the need arise.

So, there you have it. Hopefully, we have answered your question of are dental implants safe. If you are considering dental implants then why not come and speak with the experienced dental team here at Southport Park Family Dental. Call us today on 07 5655 7688 or schedule a consultation online. We provide affordable, versatile dental restorations that are sure to put a smile on your face.