Posted October 16, 2024 in Dental Implant
When you have one or more missing teeth, it can impact your life in several ways. Missing teeth can affect your eating, your smile, your confidence, and even your overall health. One of the best ways to address missing teeth is by getting dental implants. Dental implants are a permanent solution to the problem of missing teeth, but some patients may worry about the safety of implants. In this blog, we’ll discuss the various aspects of dental implant safety, including how materials, the experience of your dentist, and other factors affect the safety of dental implants.
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Are Dental Implant Materials Safe?
Dental implants consist of a titanium post implanted in your jaw and a ceramic crown to mimic the look of your natural teeth. Titanium is a strong and durable metal, which is why it is commonly used for dental implants. Titanium is also a material that few people are allergic to, with less than one percent of people having a sensitivity to it. However, if you are allergic or sensitive to other metals, you are more likely to react to titanium. Symptoms of titanium sensitivity include:
- A burning sensation in your mouth
- Weakened sense of smell or taste
- Changes in taste
- Swelling in your tongue or face
- Vertigo
Fortunately, if you do have a titanium allergy, zirconia implants are a safe option.
The other materials used in dental implants are ceramic or porcelain, which the crown, or false tooth, is made of. Ceramic and porcelain are biocompatible materials, meaning they are typically not harmful to human tissue. However, even though allergies to porcelain or ceramic crowns are rare, you may be allergic to the dental cement used to adhere the crown to the abutment and titanium post. Symptoms of sensitivity to a crown or adhesive include:
- Itchiness
- Redness
- Inflammation or irritation of your gums
- Hives
- Swelling
If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your dentist as soon as possible.
The Experience of Your Dentist Matters
No matter what type of dental procedure you’re having done, you want to ensure that your dentist has the training, skills, and experience to perform it safely and correctly. This is never more essential than when you’re undergoing a dental implant procedure. Dental implant surgery requires specific training, so it’s important to choose a dentist, oral surgeon, or periodontist who has undergone training in dental implants and restorations.
Because dental implants require placing a titanium post into your jawbone, pre-surgical planning is vital. Your dentist must know the exact location of nerves and blood vessels in the area where the implant is being placed to avoid damage, complications, or failure of the implant.
To find the best dentist for your implant procedure, research their credentials and ask about their experience performing dental implant surgery.
Surgical Safety
The placement of your dental implant is a surgical procedure that consists of several steps. During the first step, the titanium post is surgically implanted into your jawbone. As with any type of surgery, there are risks associated with this step. However, choosing a qualified provider and following their care instructions as closely as possible can significantly reduce the risk of complications. Below are a few things to keep in mind regarding surgical safety during the placement of your dental implant:
Infection
Because placing a dental implant involves an incision in your gums and inserting the post into your bone, there is a potential risk of infection. To prevent this, your dentist will likely give you antibiotics before and after your surgery and specific instructions for caring for the dental implant site as it heals. While infections during the dental implant process are rare, be aware of things like redness, swelling, pain, or fever. Be sure to contact your dentist immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.
Nerve Damage
Because of the network of blood vessels and nerves in your jaw, your dentist must know precisely where to place the implant to avoid complications. For implants placed in the lower jaw, your dentist must avoid the inferior alveolar nerve. This nerve runs through your jawbone and, if damaged, may cause tingling, numbness, or pain in your lips, gums, or chin.
Sinus Damage
If you’re getting an implant placed in your upper jaw, your dentist must be aware of how close they are to your sinus cavity. If you’ve experienced bone loss and there isn’t sufficient bone remaining between the sinuses and your jawbone, the implant can protrude into your sinuses and cause discomfort or infection. An experienced dentist will be aware of this issue before beginning the implant process, and they will add bone to the area with a bone graft to provide a solid foundation to support the implant while also protecting your sinus cavity.
Learn More About Dental Implant Surgery in Las Cruces, NM
While the safety implications mentioned above may seem a bit scary, the reality is that dental implants are incredibly safe and a fantastic way to keep your smile looking beautiful and restore function to your mouth after tooth loss. Our trained and experienced dentists are here to address all your questions and concerns about the dental implant process and to put your mind at ease every step of the way. To learn more about dental implants at Gentle Care Dentistry in Las Cruces, NM, call us today at 575-524-3722 or complete our online contact form.