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How Successful Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are widely considered to be the gold standard method of tooth restoration.

Dental Implant Success

Most dental professionals sing the praises of dental implants, recommending them over dentures and bridges for the replacement of missing teeth.

For many patients, however, implants are completely unfamiliar. Of course, the professional team at Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery of Utah is eager to explain the many advantages of getting implants.

Here’s a question that nearly every patient asks before committing to implant surgery: How successful are dental implants?

Overall Success Rates for Dental Implants

The American Dental Association says that more than 5 million implants are placed in patients nationwide every year, and this number keeps rising. The reason? Research shows that implant surgery is both safe and effective.

More than 95 percent of dental implants are successful, according to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. And when placed by a specialist or oral surgeon rather than a general dentist, the success rate is even higher — up to 98 percent.

Patients who take proper care of their new replacement teeth can increase their chances of a successful recovery. Diligent oral hygiene habits and regular professional checkups and cleanings are key to a favorable outcome from implant surgery.

Success Rate for Dental Implants in Diabetic Patients

Diabetes can pose additional risks for almost any type of dental or medical procedure. Some patients do not have the condition under control, and even among those who do, the healing time can be longer than for those patients who do not suffer from this chronic disease.

Diabetic patients may also be more likely to have complications with infection or bone formation after surgery.

Nevertheless, implant surgery can be completely successful in diabetic patients. In fact, research has revealed that diabetes itself may not be directly related to implant failure.

The Journal of the American Dental Association recently published an analysis comparing the long-term survival of implants in diabetic and non-diabetic patients. The results? No significant difference in the implant surgery success rates. So diabetics who are healthy enough for routine dental procedures can absolutely consider implants to replace their missing teeth.

Success Rate for Dental Implants for Elderly Patients

Although some senior patients believe they are too old to undergo implant surgery, research shows that age is not a factor.

The National Institutes of Health published a study comparing the survival rates of implants in patients older than age 80 with the rates for younger patients. Researchers found that the success rates were almost identical in both groups.

So older patients who are in reasonably good health are excellent candidates for implant surgery. Because bone loss is common in older adults, however, some senior patients may need a bone graft prior to having implants.

Is implant surgery right for you? Find out by scheduling a consultation with the experienced professional team at Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery of Utah. We serve patients throughout the Salt Lake City area. Contact us today to learn more about effective, natural-looking dental implants.

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