Harmful effects of cheap implants

1. Introduction to dental implants

Dental implants are a modern method of tooth restoration, helping to effectively replace missing teeth. This is a small metal post, usually made of titanium, that is implanted into the jawbone to replace the missing tooth root. After the implant integrates with the bone, it will act as a new tooth root, on which a porcelain crown will be attached to complete the restoration.

Dental implants offer many benefits such as improved chewing ability, maintenance of jawbone structure, and natural-looking teeth. However, to achieve these benefits, it is important to use high-quality implants and have them placed by a qualified dentist.

2. Why are there cheap implants?

Recently, there have been many advertisements for cheap implant services, with prices only half or even a third of the normal price. This makes many people ask: why is there such a big difference?

There are many reasons why some places offer cheap implant services:

• – Using poor quality implants: Instead of using genuine implants from reputable manufacturers, they may use counterfeit products of unknown origin.
• – Save on material costs: Cheap implants may not be made from pure titanium but mixed with other metals to reduce costs.
• – Inexperienced doctors: To reduce costs, some places may use doctors who have just graduated or have not received specialized training in implants.
• – Inadequate equipment: Lack of modern equipment such as 3D CT scanners and specialized implant machines is also a way to reduce costs.
• – No warranty: Many places that provide cheap implants do not have a warranty policy after treatment.

Although the price is attractive, cheap implants pose many risks and harms to the health of users.

3. Potential harms of cheap implants

3.1. High risk of infection

One of the most serious side effects of cheap implants is the high risk of infection. This can happen for a number of reasons:

• – Poor implant quality: Cheap implants are often not produced in a strictly sterile environment, leading to the risk of infection right from the implantation.
• – Unsatisfactory sterilization process: Facilities providing cheap implants may not strictly follow sterilization procedures during surgery.
• – Improper post-operative care: Lack of detailed instructions on post-implant care can also lead to infection.

When infected, the implant area will become red, swollen, painful, and filled with pus, and may cause fever. If not treated promptly, the infection can spread, affecting the jawbone and surrounding tissues, and even becoming life-threatening.

3.2. Poor bone integration

High-quality implants are designed with a special surface that enhances their ability to integrate with the jawbone. However, low-cost implants often lack this feature. The result is:

• – Unstable implant: The implant may be loose and not strong enough to support the porcelain tooth.
• – Long healing time: The bone integration process is slow, prolonging the treatment time.
• – Reduced implant lifespan: When not well integrated with the bone, the implant is easily rejected over time.

3.3. Implant rejection

Implant rejection is one of the serious complications of cheap implants. This phenomenon occurs when the body does not accept the implant material or the implant fails to integrate with the jawbone. Signs of implant rejection include:

– Implant is loose
– Prolonged pain at the implant site
– Swelling and bleeding around the implant
– Bone loss around the implant area

When an implant is rejected, the patient will have to remove the implant and may need to undergo bone grafting before re-implantation. This is not only painful but also time-consuming and expensive.

3.4. Nerve damage

Implant placement is a process that requires a high level of precision. If performed by an inexperienced doctor or without the assistance of modern technology, it can lead to nerve damage. The consequences of this include:

– Persistent numbness or pain in the lips, tongue or chin
– Loss of sensation in part of the face
– Difficulty in speaking and chewing

In some cases, nerve damage can be permanent, severely affecting the patient's quality of life.

3.5. Sinusitis

Implants placed in the upper jaw, especially the molars, have the risk of causing sinusitis if not done properly. Cheap implants, when placed too deep or too close to the maxillary sinus, can invade the sinus cavity, leading to chronic sinusitis. Symptoms include:

– Facial pain
– Runny nose
– Prolonged nasal congestion
- Headache

Implant-induced sinusitis is not only uncomfortable but can also lead to other serious complications if not treated promptly.

3.6. Aesthetic impact

Although the main purpose of dental implants is to restore chewing function, aesthetics are also important. Cheap implants can cause aesthetic problems such as:

• – Unnatural color: Poor quality implants can reveal the metal color through the gums, creating an unaesthetic dark gray area.
• – Incorrect implant placement: Inexperienced doctors can place implants in the wrong position, affecting the teeth and smile.
• – Gum recession: Cheap implants may not stimulate gum growth well, leading to gum recession and exposed implant neck.

These aesthetic problems not only affect appearance but can also cause a loss of confidence for the user.

4. How to recognize quality implants?

To avoid the harmful effects of cheap implants, it is very important to recognize quality implants. Here are some criteria for evaluation:

• – Reputable brand: Quality implants often come from famous brands such as Straumann, Nobel Biocare, Osstem, or MIS.
• – International certification: Quality implants must be certified by reputable organizations such as FDA (USA) or CE (Europe).
• – Materials: High quality implants are usually made from pure grade 4 titanium or titanium-zirconia alloy.
• – Specially treated surface: Quality implants have specially treated surfaces to increase bone integration.
• – Full information: Genuine implants always have full information about origin, production batch number, and expiration date.
• – Warranty: Reputable manufacturers often offer long-term warranties for their products.

5. Choose a reputable dental clinic for implant placement

To ensure safety and effectiveness when implanting implants, choosing a reputable dental clinic is extremely important. Below are some criteria to evaluate a trustworthy dental clinic:

• – Certificates and licenses: Dental clinics must have full operating licenses and practice certificates of doctors.
• – Doctor's experience: You should choose a dental clinic with a doctor who is specially trained in implants and has many years of experience in this field.
• – Modern equipment: Reputable dental clinics are often equipped with modern equipment such as 3D CT scanners and specialized implant machines.
• – Sterilization process: Dentistry must strictly adhere to sterilization processes during treatment.
• – Use genuine implants: Reputable dental clinics always use implants from famous brands with clear origins.
• – Warranty policy: Dentistry should provide a clear warranty policy for implant services.
• – Post-treatment care: A reputable dental clinic will have a clear post-treatment care and monitoring process, helping to ensure long-term results.
• – Customer reviews: Find out feedback from people who have been treated at that dental clinic to get an objective view.
• – Transparent costs: A reputable dental clinic will provide a detailed and clear price list, with no unexpected costs.

When choosing a dental clinic for implant placement, don’t just focus on price. Consider carefully the quality of service, the experience of the doctor, and the reputation of the dental facility. Investing in your oral health is investing in your long-term quality of life.

6. Conclusion

Dental implants are a modern and effective method of tooth restoration. However, choosing cheap implants can lead to many serious health consequences. From the risk of infection, implant rejection, to nerve damage and aesthetic effects, these complications are not only painful but also costly in terms of time and money to fix.

To ensure the safety and effectiveness of implant surgery, choosing a quality implant and a reputable dental clinic is extremely important. Don't be tempted by advertisements about cheap implants. Remember, oral health is an important part of overall health and quality of life.

When deciding to get an implant, research the implant brand, the experience of the doctor, and the reputation of the dental clinic. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and request a clear explanation of the treatment process, costs, and warranty.

Finally, remember that daily dental care and regular checkups are important for maintaining long-term oral health, even after dental implants. With the right choice and proper care, dental implants can give you a healthy, confident smile for years to come.

If you have any questions about dental implants or other dental issues, do not hesitate to send your questions via the 'ASK A QUESTION' section on our website. Our experts will be happy to answer all your questions.

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