Are There Any Risks to Dental Implants?

dental implantsHaving dental implants installed is a surgery, and as with any surgery there are risks involved. Dentists have been placing dental implants for years now, and the technology has advanced significantly. Today’s dental implants are very sophisticated prosthetic devices designed and placed by highly trained professionals like Dr. Karl Neuhaus of Creekside Dentistry & Implantology in Amherst, NY. Read on to learn why dental implants are now considered one of the strongest and most reliable methods of replacing missing teeth.

Benefits Of Dental Implants

Dental implants replace missing, damaged, or infected teeth with prosthetic roots and a lifelike crown, allowing implant patients to eat, speak and smile with confidence and in comfort. Implant screws are usually made from titanium and as such are durable and will usually last a lifetime, oftentimes with only minimal adjustments or none at all. And since they are screwed into the jawbone, they remain secure while chewing and talking while also preventing bone loss.

Risks Of Dental Implants

As with any surgical procedure, there are possible complications that could occur. However, problems with dental implants are rare, usually minor and often easily remedied.  Risks include:

  • Infection of the site
  • Damage to teeth, blood vessels, or nerves at the surgical site
  • Implant rejection
  • Sinus problems
  • Rejection of material of replacement tooth and potential allergies (usually made of titanium or zirconia)

Working with an experienced and professional implant dentist like Dr. Neuhaus means that your implant surgery has a much smaller risk of issues. Dr. Neuhaus is a Dawson Academy scholar and has also completed the AAID Maxi-Course in dental implant training -the most respected and comprehensive training program in implant dentistry. Dr. Neuhaus is also a member of the Academy of General Dentistry and American Academy of Implant Dentistry.

Some patients may have suffered bone recession in the jaw along with whatever damage cost them their natural teeth. For these patients, bone graft surgeries may be needed to repair the jaw before implants are placed. This procedure requires the harvesting of bone from other areas of the body and using it to replace the lost bone tissue on the jaw where it will eventually fuse to the existing bone. This will allow the jawbone to be healthy and stable enough to one day support implants. As these are additional surgeries they have their own risks and complications such as infection, more discomfort and longer recuperation.

The Success Rate Of Dental Implants

Dental implants generally have a success rate of about 95%, although this varies depending on the patient, the dentist, the number of implants needed, the methods used, and other factors.

However, when working with an experienced dental implant dentist like Dr. Neuhaus, this procedure is inherently safer. Titanium implants- which are the industry standard- can last up to 20 years or longer, while other materials, like zirconia, cost more but may last longer.

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. Neuhaus to see if dental implants can help you have the smile you want!