Are Dental Implants Safe?

Falls Church Dental Implants

Dental implants have emerged as a leading solution for replacing missing teeth, preferred by many dentists. This procedure involves replacing tooth roots with metal, screwlike posts and replacing damaged or missing teeth with artificial ones that closely resemble and function like real teeth. At Pike Smiles in Falls Church, VA, dental implants are offered as an excellent alternative to dentures, particularly when a lack of natural teeth roots prohibits the construction of denture or bridgework tooth replacements

Disadvantages of Dental Implants

When considering dental implant surgery, it’s essential to understand the potential risks, although they are rare and typically minor. Risks may include:

• Sinus problems, if implants in the upper jaw protrude into sinus cavities.
• Injury or damage to surrounding structures, such as other teeth or blood vessels.
• Nerve damage, leading to pain, numbness, or tingling in natural teeth, gums, lips, or chin.
• Infection at the implant site.

Advantages of Dental Implants

Dental implants offer numerous benefits, including:

• Appearance: Implants closely resemble natural teeth in both look and feel.
• Speech: Unlike dentures or bridges, implants eliminate concerns about slurred speech due to slipping.
• Comfort: Implants provide permanent stability without chafing or discomfort common with dentures.
• Oral Health: Unlike bridges, implants don’t require modifying surrounding teeth, and they prevent bone deterioration while promoting healthy bone tissue growth.

Dental Implant Procedure

Here’s an overview of the typical dental implant procedure:

1. Initial Consultation: The patient undergoes a comprehensive exam and consultation to develop a personalized treatment plan.
2. Implant Placement: The implant, serving as a substitute tooth root, is placed during the next appointment.
3. Healing Period: Approximately 2-3 months are given for the implant to heal and integrate with the bone tissue.
4. Abutment Attachment: Once integration is successful, an abutment is attached to the implant.
5. Restoration: Impressions are taken to create custom crowns, bridges, or dentures to replace missing teeth, ensuring a seamless blend with natural teeth.

Once you get the finished implant, your new teeth are ready to use! If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our Falls Church, VA office at (703) 533-8200. We want your implants to look and feel like real teeth and you smile looking its best!