The installation of dental implants is a surgery and, as with any surgery there are possible risks. Dentists have been performing dental implant surgeries for several decades now, and the technology has advanced by leaps and bounds. Modern dental implants are very sophisticated prosthetic devices designed and placed by highly trained dental professionals like Dr. Shawna Hoffert of Red Maple Dental in Asheville, NC.
Read on to learn why dental implants are widely recommended by patients and dentists alike as one of the strongest and most reliable methods of replacing missing teeth available.
Benefits Of Dental Implants
Dental implants replace missing, damaged, or infected teeth, allowing patients to eat, speak and smile with the same confidence and comfort as with natural teeth. Implants are extremely durable and can last a lifetime with only minimal adjustments or sometimes none at all. Because dental implants are embedded into the jawbone using a titanium screw, implants stay secured while preventing bone loss by bonding to bone tissue and stimulating new growth.
Risks Of Dental Implants
As there can be with any surgery, dental implants come with their own possible complications that can occur. However, problems encountered with dental implant surgery are usually rare, minor and easily remedied. Risks include:
- Infection of the site
- Damage to teeth, blood vessels, or nerves in the surgical area
- Implant rejection
- Sinus problems
- Material of replacement tooth and potential allergies (usually made of titanium or zirconia)
Working with an experienced and professional dentist like Dr. Hoffert means that your implant procedure has a much smaller risk of developing issues.
In addition to the tooth decay that caused the loss of a tooth or teeth, many patients that have been missing teeth for some time find that they have already suffered a degree of bone regression. Bone graft surgeries may be necessary for these patients. This procedure involves harvesting bone from other areas of the body and replacing it on the jaw where it will eventually fuse with the existing bone, reinforcing it. Once the site has healed, this will allow the jawbone to be stable enough to support implants. Because these bone grafts are additional surgeries, they come with their own risks and complications such as infection, discomfort and longer recovery time.
Success Rate
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, you can increase your odds of a successful procedure by picking an experienced, well-reviewed dentist.
When working with a dentist experienced in the installation of implants like Dr. Hoffert, implants are inherently safer. Titanium implants — the industry standard — can last up to 20 years or longer, while other materials, like zirconia, can cost more but last longer.
Dental Implants in Asheville, NC
If you have lost teeth or have teeth that are too damaged to save, implants may be the dental restoration option for you. For patients in the Asheville area, please call Red Maple Dental at (828)-358-1925 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hoffert to see if dental implants can help you have the healthy, beautiful smile you want!