Dental implants are medical devices that substitute the root of your teeth to connect them with the new replacement teeth. They are generally used in case of loose or missing teeth, broken teeth due to injury, root fractures, or any gum disease that brings discomfort and makes it difficult to chew food.
People also opt for this surgical procedure to enhance their facial appearance and good dental hygiene. The percentage of people taking dental implants has been increasing, especially in countries like Costa Rica where dental care is a bargain as compared to the rates in the U.S. Though the procedure is quite common among the residents of Central America, many people wonder if dental plants are safe! Let’s find out. Before we jump into the safety profile, let’s first understand what dental implants are.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial replacement tooth roots that are surgically implanted into the jaw to help a person chew easier or enhance the appearance. When a tooth gets lost or missing due to an injury or disease, it results in discomfort, defective speech, rapid bone loss, and changes in chewing food.
Dental implants help improve a patient’s dental health and overall quality of life. However, some minor complications may occur, which are generally manageable. Many patients who got their dental implants in Costa Rica and the nearby areas reported that dental implants take nearly four to six months to heal when they followed all the instructions properly.
What Does FDA Say About the Safety Profile of Dental Implants?
FDA, or The Food and Drug Administration, is a U.S federal agency of the Department of Health and Human Services which is responsible for protecting public health by ensuring the safety and efficacy of different food products, drugs and medical equipment. So, dental implants are also evaluated by the FDA as per the international consensus standards of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
Dental implant systems are generally made of material that meets the quality requirements of international consensus standards. And these standards contain every minor detail needed to ensure the safety of the material. Most dental implants are made of titanium or zirconium oxide and other materials, including titanium alloys, gold alloys, cobalt-based alloys, or ceramic materials. And all of these materials are well-known for their safety profiles.
These standards also check the biocompatibility testing, which ensures that the material does not result in any complications like irritation or allergic reaction when it comes to body contact.
Talking about the market perspective, manufacturers need to show the FDA the safety and efficacy of their dental implant systems before selling the implants on the market.
Final Thoughts
Dental implant systems make a great choice for people who have lost or broken teeth or want to upgrade their cosmetic appearance. Whatever your reason might be, it is advised to consult your dentist about all the possibilities of your implant and if there are any associated risks.
Chances are you might suffer minor complications after surgery which you should get immediately checked by your concerned dentist. Last but not least, dental implants take significant time to heal, so make sure you follow all the necessary instructions of your dentist to recover faster.
