Something to consider when deciding whether or not dental implants are right for you is the potential health hazard not replacing a missing tooth poses to the rest of your mouth and jawbone. Not only can debris and foreign bodies become trapped in the soft gap, it can also change the way your mouth opens and closes. Without the original tooth holding the underlying tissue and bone to their place, the jawbone actually begins breaking down and absorbing those supportive structures. This causes damage that is often irreversible.
Infection is naturally one of the first things patients worry about when considering the procedure. Of course, just as with any other type of surgery, going under the knife always leaves on susceptible to bacteria around the area of incision. A lot of the power in terms of prevention rests in the hands of the recipient of the implants; proper hygiene, especially in the weeks immediately following the procedure, is crucial when it comes to protecting oneself from infection. Avoid smoking and/or chewing tobacco once the implants are in, as these products significantly increase the likelihood of developing an infection.
One other thing to be aware of is the possibility of nerve damage. The mouth is home to many nerve endings, each more sensitive than the next. An improperly anchored implant has the potential to impinge on one or more of these nerves, causing damage to them and those close by. Potential side effects include tingling in the lips, chin, and cheeks and numbness in the mouth.
Finally, the last major risk to consider is the possibility of developing sinus issues after the surgery. This is usually only something to worry about when you’re replacing teeth in the upper jaw only, as implants there are the only ones that would have the potential to poke through those membrane walls. Symptoms include a sore, tingling sensation in the sinuses, which can eventually evolve into serious, recurring migraine headaches.
It’s easy to be intimidated by a procedure like this – it’s permanent, invasive, and usually takes a long time to recover from. When all of the facts are laid out side by side, though, you can probably see why so many patients still choose this path over traditional dentures. Our facilities are home to the premiere dental implants dentist in Beverly Hills. We would love to help make your smile shine.”