Is there any harm from dental implants or is it a misconception

Dental implants is the process of replacing a removed tooth root with a biocompatible metal rod that fuses with bone tissue. A crown or bridge is placed on top of the implant, returning both aesthetics and functionality to the teeth. However, some people avoid this surgery, preferring the inconvenience and low effectiveness of removable dentures. So what stops people from visiting an implantologist? The main reasons are myths and lack of information. Of course, implant placement is a surgical procedure and can be accompanied by complications, both due to medical error and the patient’s fault. But imagine that a person would refuse to have an inflamed appendix removed or a woman would refuse a C-section solely because of fear of surgery? It’s unlikely. Nevertheless, some people avoid implants, choosing the discomfort and low functionality of removable dentures.
Let’s look at the misconceptions that hinder your implant decision.

Anesthesia almost completely eliminates pain and discomfort during implant placement. It is administered in stages, before starting manipulations, the doctor checks for lack of sensitivity. The implantation process takes a little time, and the freezing does not have time to pass. People with sensitive natures may find it difficult to tolerate the sight of blood and sounds accompanying the placement of the implant, but this is not due to severe pain. In some cases, the patient is put into a deep medicated sleep to completely eliminate pain and fear.

Implant rejection is rare. The middle price segment demonstrates successful engraftment in 95-97.5% of cases, and premium implants – in 98-99%. The patient’s compliance with the doctor’s recommendations has a significant impact on engraftment. For example, irregular brushing of teeth leads to plaque accumulation, which causes inflammation of the gum and can further move to the area with implants, which threatens rejection. Another situation: the prosthesis is poorly fixed and regularly traumatizes the gum, causing peri-implantitis. Or the patient did not report undergoing radiation therapy at the oncology center, which can also cause rejection. In fact, a patient’s failure to follow recommendations or unwillingness to prevent unfavorable conditions is more likely to lead to problems than an encounter with an incompetent implantologist.

After surgical intervention in the soft tissues, swelling, soreness and increase in local temperature can occur. When the anesthesia loses its effect, the area of the mucosa with the installed implants begins to ache, headache and general malaise are possible. In the case of upper jaw implants, significant swelling may occur on the second or third day. These symptoms are normal and expected. It is recommended to take an anesthetic to relieve pain and follow the advice of the implantologist. Restrictions during the recovery period: until the sutures are removed, significant physical activity that may increase blood pressure and intracranial pressure should be avoided. Restrictions on elevator use and flying are associated with the sinus elevator procedure, which is performed when there is insufficient bone tissue prior to implants.

Usually, general anesthesia is not required for implants and the procedure is performed under local anesthesia. Patients remain conscious and can observe the process and respond to the doctor’s instructions. The misconception that general anesthesia is harmful to the heart stems from the use of toxic drugs in the past. Modern anesthetics are much safer and more effective. They give a short-term load on the kidneys and liver without causing serious harm to the body.

Smoking has a negative impact on health and longevity, worsening oral health and causing dental disease. However, the claim that smokers are doomed to removable dentures after tooth loss is incorrect. What are the risks of implants for smokers? Nicotine hinders the healing process, promoting infection, inflammation, and subsequent over-implantitis. Barring wound opening, smoking does not always lead to these complications. Minimally invasive basal implants can restore a large number of teeth without incisions or sutures. In this case, a thin mucosal puncture is made through which the implant is inserted. This method is used for patients who smoke, as well as for those who suffer from diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.