Dental Implant Myths…Fact or Fiction

In recent years dental implants have become increasingly popular with patients and dentists. Though it’s become a common procedure, there are still a lot of questions people have about dental implants. We’ll do our best to answer some of the most common ones.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are metallic posts surgically inserted into the jawbone. They serve as anchors for replacement teeth and bridges attached to the implant. Implants provide a fixed structure that effectively replaces missing teeth with an oral prosthesis, also known as a dental crown or bridge. With implants, dentists have more treatment options for patients who do not want to or cannot undergo extensive extractions and restorations to fill gaps in their smiles.

Do Dental Implants Cause Cancer?

There is no evidence that a dental implant increases cancer risk. A 2017 study done using MEDLINE and EMBASE’s databases showed no direct link between dental implants and oral cancer. That being said, like any other patient it’s important for people who have received dental implants to get regular oral cancer screenings.

Can Dental Implants Cause Headaches?

Dental implants may cause headaches in some patients. By removing the nerve of the jawbone, a dental implant may change the way your face feels. Some patients have reported mild to moderate headaches at the bridge site. If you are experiencing headaches or unusual sensitivity, taking pain medicine as directed by your dentist may help ease symptoms. A localized area of mouth numbness on one side helps explain these symptoms in about half of the patients. It is not a common condition and can usually be treated with over-the-counter medication. If the numbness persists beyond your dentist’s recommended course of treatment, see your doctor.

What Causes Infection After Dental Implants?

Infection is the most common complication of dental implants. However, it is easily treatable. An infection can be caused by a type of bacteria called staphylococcus, whose presence may not cause any symptoms. When your dentist completes the dental implant procedure, they will place the implant in a sealed container before sending it to the laboratory for drilling. These bacteria can become airborne in rare cases and get trapped inside the custom-fitted case with your implant. It can travel to the implant site and cause an infection. Drink plenty of water and brush your teeth and tongue twice a day.

Do not smoke or use tobacco products or lozenge cough drops containing nicotine. Smoking makes gum disease worse and causes other serious health problems, such as heart disease. If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar under control for good oral health. The staphylococcus bacteria can cause problems in people with diabetes because their immune systems do not work as well as those who do not have the disease. For these reasons, diabetic patients especially need to get regular checkups with their dentists.

Can a Dental Implant Cause a Sinus Infection?

Dental implants may cause post-operative pain, which can be persistent or recurrent. Some patients might have sinus problems while recovering from dental implant surgery. Sinusitis is a bacterial infection of the sinuses, which are hollow spaces in the skull behind the eyes and above the nose. Infection in other parts of the mouth can also cause pain, so you should see your dentist. If you have a dental implant, avoid using any creams or sprays on your face until your dentist or doctor advises you otherwise.

Can Dental Implants Cause Nerve Damage?

Dental implants are designed to stimulate the jawbone and encourage it to grow. When the bone grows, it will often cause pain in the jaw. This pain can be mild or severe and sometimes interferes with the normal function of your teeth and gums. In most cases, dental implants do not damage nerves, but they can cause changes in how your face feels. People with diabetes may have a higher risk of nerve damage because their immune systems do not work as well as other people’s. If you have diabetes, see your dentist regularly to avoid complications, such as losing a dental implant or gum disease.

As you can see, there are still many questions that patients have surrounding dental implants. If you live in the metro Detroit area and have further questions or are interested in moving ahead with dental implants, you can contact a Fortson Dentistry location to learn more.