If you have lost a tooth and are looking to replace it, you may have definitely heard of dental implants. Dental implants are fixed artificial substitutes for missing or lost teeth and help rehabilitate a patient’s tooth in function and aesthetics.
But, how many of you have had this thought “Are dental implants safe?” cross your mind while considering this option to replace your missing tooth or teeth?
It is quite normal for us to have this query as we are concerned about what goes into our bodies. Talking of replacing missing teeth, dentures were the popular choice back in the day. They were the most common methods of replacing missing teeth of patients and continue to be largely popular even today!
However, since dentures were removable, and were being used for decades, their safety was never questioned. Then dental bridges came which replaced the missing tooth by a crown with the support from the two adjacent teeth.
While patients detested dentures due to them being removable and found it difficult to adjust to them, bridges became quite popular. Nobody really questioned the safety of crowns and bridges as the materials used to fabricate them are absolutely safe and nothing was being inserted into the patient’s body.
However, when new-age tooth replacements like implants were introduced, many queries arise in people’s minds – “Are dental implants safe?”, “Are tooth implants safe?”, “How safe are dental implants?”, “Are dental implants safe for seniors?”, etc.
What are Dental Implants?
Before we dive into answering “Are dental implants safe?”, let us be cleared about what dental implants are. Dental implants are teeth substitutes that are placed in the bone and mimic a tooth in both form and function. The part of the implant(titanium screw) that is placed inside the jawbone, is biocompatible.
Once this screw gets integrated with the patient’s jaw bone, the crown is placed on top of this screw to replace the missing teeth & also allow the patient to bite or chew.
Are Dental Implants Safe?
“Are dental implants safe?” is one of the first thoughts that comes to mind hearing about implants being placed in a person’s jawbones, isn’t it? Well, let’s set this clear right away – Dental implants are safe! Yes, you read that right. Dental implants have proven to be not just safe but the best ways to replace missing teeth when all other criteria have been met.
As mentioned earlier, dental implants have two parts – the screw and the cap. The implant screw is made up of titanium which is a biocompatible element and is routinely used in joint replacement surgeries, to place screws in bone surgeries in other parts of the body, etc.
The jaw bone grows very well around a well-placed implant and gives the implant screw strength to support the crown and function like a real tooth.
The cap of the implant is made up of biocompatible ceramic, just like those used to make routine crowns and bridges. So, what do you think? Are dental implants safe yet in your understanding?
Are Dental implants safe for Diabetics?
An important thing you may have heard from your friends or family is “implants are not safe for diabetics”. If you have diabetes and sought to get your missing teeth replaced by implants, you may have been plagued by queries like “Are dental implants safe for diabetics?, or “Are dental implants safe for me?”
The truth is- diabetes is not a contraindication for people with diabetes. Diabetes is a defining reason why you must not get dental implants. Having said that, it is, however, important to understand that having very high blood sugar levels, or uncontrolled diabetes can increase complications during an implant surgery or success of implant treatment.
The reason for this is that high blood sugar interferes with healing in the body and therefore, interferes with the integration of the titanium screw with the jaw bone.
So, yes, dental implants are safe and successful for those with diabetes but your dentist or oral surgeon will make a decision based on other parameters like infections, bone density in the area, etc.
How safe are Same-day Dental implants?
Losing a tooth can be a traumatic experience. Many patients who lose their teeth due to decay, injury, or gum disease wish to have their teeth replaced as soon as possible.
Apart from questions like “Are dental implants safe”, many patients wish to know “How safe are same-day dental implants?”
Same-day dental implants involve replacing a patient’s missing tooth or teeth in a single sitting using dental implants.
Normal implant placement involves – placing of the titanium screw in the jaw bone, waiting for a 3-4 month period to allow the screw to integrate with the bone, followed by the placement of the implant crown.
However, in case of a single sitting implant placement, the placement of the implant screw and crown is down in one sitting and then the screw is allowed to integrate with the bone.
Care is taken not to Well, the safety and success of same-day dental implants depends upon a large number of factors. While replacing a single-tooth in a single day implant procedure is being done, most dentists prefer the routine procedure of placing the implant screw, waiting for it to integrate and then placing the crown.
Do dental implants affect your overall health?
When patients ask “Are dental implants safe?”, what exactly are they worried about? Well, most of you are definitely worried about how the titanium screw placed in the jaw bone will affect the body’s health? “Will it corrode?”, “will it become poisonous?”, “Will it cause sepsis?”, etc., are some of the common queries that people have in mind.
To set things clear, when we said the titanium implant screw is biocompatible, we meant it is safe for the body and doesn’t react with body fluids or tissues to form any poisonous substance. This makes the chances of tooth implants affecting your oral health too low.
On a concluding note…
Dental implants are the best replacement for missing teeth today. They are safe, long-lasting, most natural-looking tooth substitutes. The next time anyone you know is plagued with the question – “Are dental implants safe?”, assure them of their safety and success.
At Sabka Dentist, we use state of the art equipment and top-class materials and implants to replace missing teeth of our patients. If you have any queries like “Are dental implant safe” or other such queries about the safety of dental implants, drop into our dental clinics and get expert advice from our team of dentists and implantologists!
Expert’s Opinions
- Dr. Reena Waghela Dental Director of Sabka dentist says “Dental implants are the best, safest and the most aesthetic ways to replace missing tooth/teeth.”
- Dr. Rupali Gujar Dental Director of Sabka dentist says “If you wish to replace your missing teeth, visit your dentist for more information rather than be misled by rumours and false information.”
- Dr. Priyanka Shingore Dental Director of Sabka dentist says “Dental implant placement is no-hassle and comfortable procedure just like any other dental procedure.”
One thought on “How Safe Are Dental Implants and Teeth Implants?”
good article. Must read this