How safe are tooth implants?

Question

I got into a bicycle accident yesterday. Landed on my chin. I got 7 stitches to close my chin up, and I have a small jaw fracture. I saw the dentist today, who referred me to an oral surgeon. I didn't lose any teeth in the accident, however, 2 of them were cracked, and there are horizontal fractures on both. The dentist thinks she'll have to pull them both. I'm 23, so there's no way I'm ready to go through life missing teeth, so implants are an option. How safe are they? Infection wise? Does anybody have tooth implants? Or do any dental professionals know any research on it? My mom thinks my history of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis could cause a relapse with something foreign in my body.

Answer 1

Definitely go with the implants!  I am a dental professional, and I know all about implants, bridges, dentures etc.  At your age I wouldn't even hesitate, no questions asked, hands down, get an implant!  I wouldn't think that your history of JRA  would be an issue but the best thing would be to ask the person doing the implant.  I would also definitely suggest having an oral surgeon OR periodontist place the implants.  Some general dentists place implants as well sometimes for a couple hundred dollars cheaper, but if it were me, I'd spend the extra money and go for the specialist for sure.  

Bridges are an option however you have you remove a lot of tooth structure from the teeth on either side of the teeth that you need to be removed and that wouldn't be advised unless those teeth are already heavily filled.  Bridges can get decay underneath them and need to be replaced, and with you being so young, I'd bet you'd have to get it replaced a few times in your life.  

I honestly wouldn't even have to consider the options if this were me, or someone close to me.....go with the implants and don't look back!  I've had many patients over the years go get implants and I've never heard any complaints!  At any rate, go for a consultation with whichever specialist you are referred to, and they will give you all the info you need!  

Good luck!

Answer 2

Hmmm, JA would put some concerns/ flags up. Implants are known to be exceptional options for people with no health problems and don't use tobacco and have good oral hygiene and will  maintain proper dental care routines and when done properly which can sometimes involve bone grafts. However, lastability for those with health problems (mainly diabetes, osteoporosis, HIV, etc). Juvenile or rheumatoid arthritis is an unknown area, but I can say that my grandmother was one of the first few people to have dental implants back in the day, even though done improperly (without a bone graft) and on someone with osteoporosis, they have lasted through old age, brain surgery, ICU, and nursing homes. I think you would probably be fine. Implants are now made from pure titanium which is the least likely to be rejected by the body. On the otherside, what other option of replacement would you do? Partials would probably be more likely to be irritating to your tissues if you plan to reject something. I would go for it. It would last just as good as any other choice and cost around the same. If things go well, it should last much longer.

Answer 3

I'm not sure about your past medical history with rheumatoid arthritis, that is something you should ask your dr. about.  But I have a tooth implant.  I got it done when I was 17! It was a front tooth, bad accident also, I was devastated. But the implant is wonderful.  It looks so natural.  Nobody can even tell I have it. They are very safe, especially now.  Mine was done 10 years ago! And it was considered safe then, and they are better at doing it now.  I've heard that bottom teeth don't hurt as much as the top (after surgery).  If I were you I would consider it.  If not, you can always ask about bridges, but flossing under bridges is a pain, and you HAVE to floss under them otherwise you'll have bad problems.

So over all, implants may seem more expensive, more painful and scary, but I would say for me it's worth it!