Dental implants have grown more and more popular in recent years. In fact, many dentists now view them as the modern gold standard for replacing teeth. However, since getting dental implants requires surgery, you might have some concerns. Is getting dental implants in San Antonio safe? Here’s what you need to know about the process and the risks that can potentially be associated with it.
What Does the Dental Implant Process Look Like?
First, an initial consultation is held so that your dentist can confirm that you’re a good candidate for dental implants. After that, bone grafting and other preliminary procedures may be performed to prepare the mouth and jaw for the implant posts. Once preparations are complete, dental implant surgery is performed, during which an appropriate number of implant posts are inserted into the jaw in predetermined areas.
Over the course of several months, the implant posts fuse with the jawbone. Then, connector pieces known as abutments are attached. Finally, impressions are taken in order to design the final crown, bridge, or denture, which will be anchored to the posts via the abutments.
How Safe is the Dental Implant Process?
Modern dental implants have been around for decades, and they are considered quite safe. It is very rare for complications to occur; in fact, around 95% of dental implant cases remain successful after 10 years.
That being said, there are a few risks associated with dental implant surgery that you should be aware of:
- Infection: While your mouth is healing after dental implant placement, there’s a chance that harmful bacteria could attack the surgical site and cause an infection. This is a major reason why it’s important to continue practicing excellent oral hygiene following the surgery.
- Failed Integration: In certain situations, the implant posts may not form a lasting bond with the jawbone, causing them to fail.
- Allergies: Dental implants are typically made out of titanium, which in rare cases can trigger metal allergies.
What Steps are Taken to Make the Dental Implant Process Safe?
Part of the reason why dental implants have such a high success rate is that multiple steps are taken to keep the risk of complications occurring to a minimum. Some of the precautions that are taken include:
- Surgery Performed by an Expert: Oftentimes, your dentist will refer you to an experienced oral surgeon who is thoroughly trained in dental implant placement. You can therefore rest assured knowing that the procedure is being handled by a true expert.
- Health History Review: While evaluating your candidacy for dental implants, your dentist will review your health history. If they find any issues that could affect your chances of a successful dental implant procedure, they can help you figure out what steps to take to address the problem.
- Precise Treatment Planning: Using advanced technology, your dental implant surgery will be planned down to the last detail. This helps ensure that the dental implants are placed exactly where they need to go, which minimizes the risk of complications.
In short, getting dental implants is not a risk-free process, but the treatment is still considered very safe as long as the right precautions are followed. And once you get your dental implants, you’re likely to find that the unique benefits they have to offer make them well worth pursuing.
About the Author
Dr. Racha W. Kadamani is a graduate of the Loma Linda University School of Dentistry in California. She has many years of dental experience under her belt, and she is currently a member of the American Dental Association and the Texas Dental Association. She always strives to help her patients achieve the best outcomes for their smiles, which is why she works with local oral surgeons for dental implant placement. If you’re interested in getting dental implants, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Kadamani at Laith Family Dentistry in San Antonio by visiting her website or calling (210) 782-6842.
