The placement of dental implants is a surgery, and as with any surgery there are risks. Dentists have been surgically embedding dental implants for some time now, and the technology has advanced quite a bit. Implants are now very sophisticated prosthetics designed and placed by highly trained professionals like Dr. Karl Neuhaus or Dr. Walter Neuhaus of Creekside Dentistry & Implantology in Amherst, NY. Dental implants are known for their durability, longevity and natural appearance and are widely considered the premier method of replacing missing teeth.
Benefits Of Dental Implants
Dental implants replace missing, damaged, or infected teeth from the root up, allowing patients to eat, speak and smile with confidence and in comfort. This is unlike other tooth replacement treatments which attach to your neighboring teeth or need to be removed for cleaning. Due to their construction of titanium or zirconium, implants are extremely durable and may last a lifetime0, often with only minimal adjustments or none at all. Furthermore, dental implants help maintain the health of your jawbone tissue as the implant screw bonds with the existing bone tissue, preventing erosion and mouth regression (shrunken mouth).
Risks Of Dental Implants
As with any other surgery, there are possible complications that could occur. However, problems with a dental implant are rare, usually minor and easily repaired. Risks include:
- Infection of the site
- Damage to teeth, blood vessels, or nerves in the surgical area
- Implant rejection
- Sinus problems
- Allergy to the material of replacement tooth or potential reaction
Working with an experienced and professional dentist like those at Creekside means that your implant procedure has a much smaller risk of problems.
When patients have been missing teeth for some time, the bone tissue that once supported the tooth may have since eroded or degraded. For these patients, bone graft surgeries may be a necessity. This additional surgical procedure involves harvesting bone from other areas of the body and replacing it on the jaw where it will eventually fuse to the existing bone. This will allow the jawbone to be stable enough to one day support implants. Because it is another surgery, bone grafts have their own risks and complications such as infection, more discomfort and longer recuperation time for the entire implant process.
The Success Rate Of Dental Implants
Dental implants generally have a success rate of about 95%. Although this rate varies depending on the patient, the dentist, the number of implants needed, the methods used, and other factors, when working with a dentist that specializes in the installation of implants like the skilled professionals at Creekside Dentistry & Implantology, the process becomes inherently safer. Dr. Karl is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry and American Academy of Implant Dentistry and is currently working towards his Fellowship in both organizations, while Dr. Walter is an associate fellow in the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and a fellow of the Midwest Implant Institute.
Dental Implants in Amherst, NY
If you have lost teeth or have teeth that cannot be saved, implants may be the dental restoration option for you. For patients in the Amherst, NY area, please call (716) 262-8070 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with Dr. Walter or Dr. Karl Neuhaus to see if dental implants can help you have the smile you’ve always wanted!