subject: Dental Implants: Understanding The Risks Of Surgery [print this page] Dental implants can change your life and provide you with new opportunities to smile. Having this type of procedure is most often safe. New technology makes it less stressful and traumatic on the body and speeds up the heal time. However, it is important for you to understand what this type of procedure is and how it occurs. It is also important to know the risks associated with this procedure. The more you know about it, the more you will see that it is the step to take in repairing your oral health.
Risks to Understand
Because the use of dental implants does require surgery, there are some risks associated with the process of getting them. When you go in to see your dentist, he or she will tell you what the risks are and will discuss any questions you have. Ask them and get to know this information to ensure you have a full understanding of what is going to happen to you.
Dental implants do come with some risks, often associated with the surgical aspect. For example, there is the risk of developing an infection in the area.
You may also have complications related to the damage of other structures in the mouth, especially those located near to the surgical area. The injury or damage to these structures may include damage to the blood vessels and the other teeth in the area.
It is also possible to have some nerve damage as a result of dental implants. This can lead to severe pain and even numbness in the area. Some people report a tingling feeling in their natural teeth, those not removed by the procedure. You may have this same feeling in your chip, lips or gums as well.
Others will have problems with their sinuses. For example, if you have an implant into the upper jaw, this can protrude into one of the cavities of the sinuses itself. This leads to problems with pain and discomfort and other risks associated with the cavities themselves.
It is important to know that these risks are rare. In fact, most of the time, they are controlled by steps your practitioner will take before even attempting the procedure, such as taking steps to ensure the infection does not happen. The surgeon will also take x-rays to ensure he or she has a full understanding of the make up of your mouth. These steps help to reduce any of the risks you may face otherwise.
Dental implants are safe to get. If there are any complications to the procedure, including those listed here, they are likely to be minor. More so, these are the types of instances that are easily treated. Take the time to talk to your dental care provider to find out what specific risks of complications you have. Then, make a decision on your own about the benefit of having this procedure compared to not doing so.
