More of the most commonly asked Dental Implant questions asked and answered:
Is there an age limit to implants?
For the most part there are no age limitations when it comes to dental implants, however they are not ideal for young patients. Implants are placed in the jawbone, and younger patients that have not finished growing, can experience additional bone growth in this area, which can compromise an implant. Age itself is not a deterrent; rather bone growth as well as the state of your health will determine whether or not you are a proper candidate for the procedure.
What is the success rate for implants and are there any guarantees?
Success with implants can never be guaranteed, but the treatment has been extensively tested and patients, in general, experience a 90-95% success rate over a 5 to 10 year period. That being said, some implants have been known to last more than 30 years. Minor maintenance may be needed from time to time, but if the proper aftercare is taken, patients can experience long-term success.
Are there any known complications?
When it comes to surgical procedures, there are always potential risks and complications, and dental implants are no exception. The most common complications with implants are the failure of the implant to successfully integrate with the jawbone, and damage caused to surrounding teeth. Instances of these complications are rare, and with careful pre-treatment planning, can be kept to a minimum.
Immediate failure of implants is most often due to an unfavorable bone pattern or the presence of infection. When this occurs, the site can often be left to heal for a few months, after which the implant can be successfully reinserted. Implants have also been known to fail after several years of initial success. This is most commonly due to too much stress being placed on the implant, or an insufficient number of implants initially placed (sometimes done to save on cost). Through appropriate assessment and treatment however, this risk can be minimized.
Another complication often associated with dental implants is a condition known as perimplantitis. Similar to periodontitis (gum disease), this condition is for the most part painless and is associated with inflammation of the gums and progressive loss of bone at the implant site. Daily brushing can prevent this, as well as frequent implant cleaning and regular visits to your dentist.
Do you have more questions about dental implants? Check back soon for our third installment of frequently asked dental implant questions.
No comments:
Post a Comment