Dental Implant Risks And Benefits – A Patient Guide

Unlike any other form of missing tooth replacement dental implants are the only restoration to become a permanent part of your mouth and as a result once in place, they look, feel and to a certain extent, even act like your natural teeth. The result is a huge uptake in people undergoing dental implant surgery in recent years. However, like all surgical treatments, as well as benefits, dental implants also come with risks attached.  

In this post, we’ll look at the dental implant risks and benefits so that you can at least make a fully informed decision about which route you want to take. 

Benefit #1 – Dental implants provide the utmost in comfort and stability

Because a tooth implant is secured or anchored directly into the jawbone at the missing tooth site, it is better positioned to withstand the daily rigours of chewing, eating and biting. Once the remaining bone tissue has fused with the titanium post (implant) it creates a super-strong platform that won’t move or unexpectedly shift in the mouth. This means that patients get full peace of mind knowing that their implants won’t slip or move causing embarrassment or painful rubbing. But in addition, patients can eat what they like without limitation. 

Associated risk

As already suggested, dental implants require a bone fusion process after dental implant surgery known as osseointegration to ensure the appliance is fully stabilised in the jaw. Only then can it be fitted with the permanent lifelike crown. 

In some patients, bone fusion (osseointegration) can be a slow process and in some, particularly those who smoke, drink heavily or suffer from uncontrolled diabetes, the new bone might not even grow at all. These factors can and do dramatically increase the risk of implant failure and this is why any implant dentist worth their salt will conduct a thorough oral examination and explore a patient’s medical history as part of the process. 

Benefit #2 – Dental implants are a hassle-free long-term alternative to conventional bridges and dentures.

Unlike any other form of missing tooth replacement, tooth implants require a surgical process to fit. 

On the whole, the dental implant surgery itself is comfortable and quick often carried our chair-side by your dentist. This ensures that once the post and restoration are in place, they become a permanent structure in the mouth. The result is a hassle-free restoration that will last for many years to come.

Ultimately, dental implants patients don’t need to be concerned with taking their restorations out at night or keeping them in position using dental fixative.

Associated risk.

When it comes to dental implant risks and benefits this is perhaps one that needs careful consideration…

Because tooth implants become part of the fabric of the mouth it’s easy to forget about them after dental implant surgery. However, to ensure dental implants last for many years to come, they still need proper ongoing care just like natural teeth – more so when they have recently been fitted. 

Failure to exercise thorough brushing and flossing, for instance, can increase bacteria and plaque which, in turn, can weaken the gum and bone structure supporting each implant. Eventually, this can lead to a whole host of problems such as peri-implantitis (an infection of the area surrounding the implant) and finally, a failed implant. 

The reality is that for dental implants to serve a patient well for many years to come, they need to adopt a thorough oral care routine not just immediately after dental implant surgery but for life.  

Benefit #3 – Dental Implants allow you to eat what you like without compromise

Another huge advantage or benefit of an implant-based restoration is that it can restore somewhere between 85% and 95% of the bite force of a natural tooth. This is in direct comparison to say a conventional denture that has somewhere between 30%-40% at best. This is why denture wearers are often reduced to avoiding hard, crunchy or sticky foods with many having to admit defeat and take on a “softer” diet overall.

The result is that patients who have undergone dental implant surgery should now be able to eat whatever they like without compromise. This then gives them the freedom to follow a healthy diet and of course, all the benefits that go with that. 

Associated risk

Failure to adhere to such demands can result in breakage of any given dental restoration or worse still, a stress fracture of the implant itself.

For best long-term results, patients should be able to adopt an ‘eat anything’ policy but the dental implant risks associated with the initial benefits means that the need to be ‘restoration mindful’ should always be present.

So there you have it… dental implant risks and benefits explained. Hopefully, this has given you the information you need to make a fully informed decision. 

If you are ready to take the plunge and invest in a lifetime of hassle-free restorations book a free smile consultation with the team at DDSS/DDII.

We provide the latest dental implants fitted using digital implant technology so what are you waiting for? Get in touch and see just how we can help you return your smile to its former glory today. 

Call us on (02) 8294 5812 today.

 Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.