Posted: September 15th, 2023

The Safety of Medical Implants

The Safety of Medical Implants

Medical implants are devices or tissues that are placed inside or on the surface of the body to replace missing or damaged parts, deliver medication, monitor body functions, or provide support to organs and tissues. They can be made from natural or synthetic materials, such as metal, plastic, ceramic, or bone. Medical implants can improve the quality of life and health of many people who need them, but they also carry some risks and challenges that should be considered before undergoing the procedure.

Benefits of Medical Implants

Medical implants can restore the ability to chew, speak, hear, see, or move for people who have lost these functions due to injury or disease. For example, dental implants can replace missing teeth and prevent bone loss in the jaw, while cochlear implants can help people with severe hearing loss to perceive sounds. Medical implants can also enhance the cosmetic appearance of people who have suffered from trauma or congenital defects, such as breast implants for women who have undergone mastectomy or facial implants for people with craniofacial anomalies. Medical implants can also help keep the body healthy and prevent complications from chronic conditions, such as pacemakers for people with heart arrhythmias or insulin pumps for people with diabetes.

Risks of Medical Implants

Medical implants are not without risks, however. They can cause complications during or after the surgery, such as infection, bleeding, bruising, swelling, pain, or implant failure. Some people may also have allergic reactions to the materials used in the implants or experience side effects from the medication delivered by the implants. Moreover, medical implants may not last forever and may need to be replaced or removed over time. For example, hip implants may wear out after 15 to 20 years and require revision surgery. Some medical implants may also interfere with other devices or procedures, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or electrocautery.

How to Choose a Medical Implant

If you are considering getting a medical implant, you should consult with your doctor about the potential benefits and risks of the procedure and whether you are a good candidate for it. You should also ask your doctor about the brand and model of the implant system that will be used and keep this information for your records. You should also follow the oral hygiene instructions given by your doctor and schedule regular visits to monitor the implant’s performance and condition. If you experience any problems with your implant, such as looseness, pain, or infection, you should tell your doctor right away.

Works Cited

“Are Dental Implants Safe? Learn About Potential Risks.” Healthline.com. Healthline Media UK Ltd., 21 Nov. 2022. Web. 15 Sep. 2023.

“Dental Implants: What You Should Know.” FDA.gov. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), n.d. Web. 15 Sep. 2023.

“Implants and Prosthetics.” FDA.gov. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), n.d. Web. 15 Sep. 2023.

“Improving Safety for Those with Medical Implants.” OSFHealthcare.org. OSF HealthCare System, 11 Feb. 2022. Web. 15 Sep. 2023.