Vancouver, WA Dental Implants: How Safe Are They?
All of your dental issues are resolved! It usually is when something appears too good to be true. As dentists in Vancouver, WA, we are even asked to extract healthy teeth and replace them with implants. That is the level of interest in dental implants. We've seen it all as someone who has placed thousands of implants. We want to share our experience with you and give you the facts so you can make an informed decision. There is no fluff, no sales pitch, only facts and evidence. So, how safe are implants? That's a good question.
Dental implants are an excellent choice for replacing missing teeth and giving you a second chance. Technology has advanced significantly, and the procedure has a high success rate, providing an excellent long-term prognosis without causing damage to adjacent teeth. Implant therapy is a permanent solution for replacing decayed, loose, fractured, or failing teeth. As a result, comfort, aesthetics, speech, function, and psychological health are all restored. Furthermore, dental implants can reduce bone loss, preventing permanent facial changes caused by missing teeth. Previously, the only fixed replacement option was to shave down adjacent teeth and fit a fixed bridge, often at the expense of the supporting teeth.
We agree that implants sound very appealing. We are fortunate to live in an era of limitless possibilities, and dental implants are life-changing for many people. However, as with any surgery, all factors must be carefully considered before proceeding.
Is it possible for a dental implant to be rejected?
"Dr., are implants secured, or can the body deny them?" is one of the most common questions we hear from our patients.
Titanium implants are non-toxic and rarely fail. In addition, titanium is perfectly compatible with human biology due to its unique ability to Osseo integrate (fuse with bone). I've heard of people claiming that their body won't accept it (titanium), and while implants don't have a perfect success rate, early or late failures are usually the result of other factors. Implant rejection is less common due to poor general health, care, or surgery.
Can implants fail?
They most certainly can. In the same way that natural teeth may not be permanent, implants may not be. No matter how much you compensate for them, Implants will never be as good as what nature designed in the first place. But, on the other hand, they are pretty amazing and, most of the time, extremely successful.
An implant that fails to Osseo integrate (fuse) with the jawbone may fail immediately. This is more likely in patients with poor overall health due to uncontrolled diabetes, autoimmune disease, smoking, certain types of cancer, bone turnover medications (Prolea, bisphosphonate), and poor oral hygiene.
If you suffer discomfort, implant mobility, unexpected discharge (pus), or spontaneous bleeding after surgical treatment, don't hesitate to get in touch with Cascade Dental. We might be able to intervene quickly and put measures in place to reduce the chances of the implant failing. However, there are times when a dentist is powerless to help, and the only option is to extract the tooth. Another attempt is possible three months after the site has healed but will necessitate a new evaluation. It is not uncommon for the jawbone to resorb along with the failing implant. In some cases, the only way to regenerate it is to regrow this bone before attempting to place another (implant) in the exact location. This is referred to as a bone graft.
How frequently do dental implants screw up?
The short answer is, surprisingly, not very often. According to studies, about 5-10% of dental implants fail. However, given that an implant is a foreign object implanted into a living bone, it never ever ceases to amaze us that the vast majority of them do integrate.
However, what we consider to be failure varies from person to person. For example, some believe that an implant falling out or becoming infected should be regarded as a failure. Others find it unacceptable that their implant differs slightly from the adjacent natural teeth. As a result, figures in the literature are relative. Recognizing the pros and cons from the start and setting reasonable expectations will result in a better overall outcome.
At Cascade Dental, we always aim to exceed our patient's expectations. We believe in a team approach and will work closely with you to ensure that your treatment plan is one that you are happy with. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. We would be more than happy to discuss your options with you.
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