Dental implants are the current craze in dentistry. It seems you see ads everywhere showing dramatic before and after photos with new smiles, sometimes in one day.
Before you or your friends rush into the new dental implant replacements, get properly informed of the risks and possible complications. Especially if you under the care of a holistic dentist and he or she performs dental implants, you need to ask why he or she recommends these procedures and get informed of the risks to your health from theses dental implants.
Malignant cancers have been reported as a complication of the use of medical implants for years. The majority of these cases have been sarcomas, related to the orthopedic materials.
Back in 2008, the first dental case of malignant cancer associated with a dental implant was reported in The Journal of the American Dental Association‘ s August, 2008 issue. A maxillary osteosarcoma developed in a 38-year-old woman after receiving a titanium dental implant. They treated the cancer by cutting off her jaw and giving her systemic chemotherapy. JADA, August 2008 vol. 139, no. 8, 1052-1059.
In 2011, other lesions, multifocal oral melanoacanthoma and melanotic maculas developed in a 63-year-old woman after implant surgery. The surgery could have been causal or incidental to the appearance of these lesions. Dentists and patients need to be aware of these rare but devastating complications to dental implants and ask for possible options. JADA July 1, 2011 vol. 142, no.7, 817-824.
If you have questions or concerns about options to dental implants just reply to this blog or call the office for a consult at 760-729-9050
To your Optimal Health and Vitality with Beautiful Smiles.
Rev. Dr. Stephen A. Lawrence
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What type of dental implants are safe?
Dear Leelee,
I have seen no scientific evidence that implants are safe. Implants have been used for years in dentistry and medicine and are considered to be a stable treatment but I know of no research that convinces me that they are safe when looking at the whole body. Physically, emotionally, spiritually they have never been shown to be safe.
A new implant made from solid zirconia, not metal, is beginning to be performed by some dentists and they may have less of a negative effect on the whole body. They would need research still to confirm this.
I still perform the conventional crown & bridge dentistry with solid porcelain or zirconia as a safer alternative.
To your Optimal Health and Vitality with a Beautiful Smile.
Rev. Dr. Stephen A. Lawrence