Implants have become one of the most common forms of dental restoration performed in the US. Despite the oft-cited high costs, this is the best restoration method when you want results that last and function just as well as the real thing.
However, there is no hiding from the fact that putting in an implant often requires extensive procedures that may even include a bone transplant. As with any surgical procedure, it becomes important to ask how safe it is to put in an implant. As it turns out, there are certain cases where a patient may not be a good candidate for implants.
What Are the Risk Factors?
Any surgical procedure comes with certain known risk and putting in an implant is no different. There is a possibility of infection, nerve damage, bleeding, and injuries to the sinus and nasal cavities. If you're considering getting dental implants, you should be aware that these risk factors always exist.
Another factor that plays an important role is the health of the patient. If the overall health of the patient is good, the chances of a complication are minimal. However, medical conditions such as diabetes can negatively impact the bone fusion process. This can easily result in implant rejection.
The Time Factor
As effective as they are, implants require an extended period to properly heal. This is why it can take as long as six months between the placement of the titanium post and putting in the cap. You should allow around two to four months for the implant to recover properly after the surgery. Sometimes, you may have to wait longer depending on what the dentist advises.
During this time, you should follow the instructions given to you by the dentist to reduce the possibility of implant rejection.
Reaction to Metals
The titanium that is used to make part of the implant is usually alloyed with other metals. These can be nickel, iron, lead, zinc or copper. If the patient is sensitive to any of these metals, they won't be able to get the implant.
How to Make Implants Safer
Maintaining good oral health is the best way of minimizing any risks that come with getting implants. Unhealthy gums and poor bone density increase the chances of complications. If you're a smoker, it will also be advisable to quit smoking during this period or to minimize the number of cigarettes smoked per day. Smoking increases the chances of implant rejection.
For more information, contact a dental office like Amato Dentistry.
Share22 October 2018
I have always brushed and flossed my teeth daily, but I still had the occasional cavity when I visited the dentist for a check-up. He told me it was normal to have a cavity on occasion and that I shouldn't let it stress me out too much. Well, I am not one to just accept any problem I am having, so I started looking into how to improve my oral hygiene even more. I had always thought mouthwash was just to improve your breath, but I found some that said they helped keep cavities away. I started using one every day before bed. I haven't had a cavity in two years now, and I think the mouth rinse is the reason! I created this blog to remind other people that even if they brush and floss regularly, they can always find ways to take even better care of their teeth.
