Grace Beauty

Dental implants are becoming more and commonplace in the world of dentistry but there are risks involved. In response to concerns over the health risks associated with dental implants the American Academy of Implant Prosthodontists has issued this message: ?Implants are made of biologically compatible materials which have undergone extensive testing over a period of several years. Since these materials are largely metals, such as titanium, and have never been living tissue, there is no likelihood of causing an antigen-antibody response which could cause rejection similar to that which sometimes occurs with heart and kidney transplants.?

A patient?s risk of problems in regards to dental implant surgery should be assesses by the attending dentist before surgery is undertaken. A patient should be up front about his or her past medical and dental history in order for the dentist to be aware of any health concerns that might arise during or following the surgery. There are risks involved with the surgery and /or the anesthesia uses as well as other medical and psychological risks.

Risks that are directly tied into the surgery include local and systemic infection, nerve injury and the possibly that there will be ?inadvertent perforation of the nasal sinus.? Psychological factors can also play a role in how a patient responds both during and after the surgery as well as to what extent he or she will follow the oral hygiene maintenance that is required of them after surgery in order to facilitate the healing process. What is happening in a person?s personal and professional life and the stressors they are facing make a difference as well. Some of these psychological stressors include, but are not limited to, the family, financial status, job satisfaction and health worries. People who have problems in regards to anxiety, depression, extreme neurotic behaviors, fears about medical procedures as well as past negative dental or medical experiences might need to talk there concerns out beforehand with a trained therapist or counselor at the hospital.

There may be extra risks associated with dental implants for those who smoke, drink or have a dependency on drugs as dental implants are geared for the most part, for those who are in generally good health and have above average dental health and hygiene. Nutrition issues and post operative dental hygiene compliance procedures must be discussed in detail with patients who indulge in any of the aforementioned bad habits as they can pose risks as well as be deterrents to proper healing.

Temporary problems and risks that can occur as a result of dental implant surgery include swelling, bruising and discomfort, problems with speech as well as gingivitis. Long-term risk factors include hyperplasias, nerve injury, local or systemic bacterial infection, local bone loss exacerbation, and lastly, infections endocarditis.

Other risks include the financial costs which can run a patient into thousands of dollars. As well dental implants involve quite a lengthy time commitment on the part of the patient, and many visits to the dentist that could span anywhere from three months to a year and a half.

Stephanie Dilson is a Dental Surgeon and in her spare time runs an informational site on Dental Implants for all those interested in the process to find out valuable information on the cost, benefits, risks and features of this increasingly popular procedure. For more information see http://www.dentalimplantsguide.com