Dental implants provide an ideal way of replacing missing teeth. Not only will they restore full chewing function, they can help prevent bone loss in the jaw and preserve facial structure as well. Natural-looking dental implant results do come with some risks, though, such as infection, nerve damage, sinus issues, and fractures.
Dental implant procedures carry risks like any surgery. Here are a few main considerations when it comes to implants:
Infections
Infection is always a risk when undertaking any invasive surgery, especially those performed on implants in the upper jaw. Although pain and swelling are expected post-surgery, if they persist and worsen over time it’s a sure sign of infection or poor healing. Injury to nerves or tissues could occur as well as possible bruising around gums, roof and base of mouth or sinuses in which case treatment must occur immediately.
Infection can result in peri-implant mucositis, the initial stage of gum disease. Left untreated, this could eventually damage bone tissue and force dental implants to fail.
Smoking, diabetes and poor oral hygiene all increase the risk of infection; certain drugs like bisphosphonates used to treat cancer or osteoporosis also pose this threat. But these issues can often be corrected with proper treatments such as mechanical cleaning and antibiotics.
Damage to the nerves or tissues
Nerve or tissue injuries from dental implants are rare; however, should their installation damage nerves, you could experience symptoms of pain, numbness and/or tingling that usually resolve themselves over time but may severely impair quality of life.
Following surgery, it’s crucial that you adhere to your dentist’s advice, including eating a soft diet and using over-the-counter painkillers. Furthermore, smoking could interfere with healing process and increase risks of complications.
Your implant site requires special care not to apply too much pressure. Grind or clench your teeth may cause damage to both the implant and natural teeth, but using a mouthguard might help if this condition arises for you. Furthermore, avoid activities which could raise pressure within your mouth such as sneezing or bending over as this could dislodge blood clots or cause it to fail, thus jeopardizing its integrity.
Failure to integrate with the bone
An implant may fail if it does not integrate properly with bone; this is known as “osseointegration failure.”
Failure can occur for various reasons. This may be because your bone is too weak to support an implant, or there were complications during surgery (e.g. damage to major blood vessels).
As is sometimes the case, infections around implant sites (known as peri-implantitis ) may arise and cause pain, swelling and pus to appear at implant sites. Smokers are more prone to this form of infection which often manifests itself through pain, swelling and pus formation.
As is sometimes the case during implant procedures, a dentist could make mistakes during an implant process. They might place the implant too close to adjacent teeth or it might not be placed at an ideal angle – leading to issues like abutment screw breakage and implant loss; should this occur, the implant must be removed and replaced as soon as possible.
Changes in your bite
Dental implants are surgically placed into the jawbone. Once they have healed, they can be covered by false teeth or crowns for cosmetic enhancements. Unfortunately, during implant placement it is possible for bacteria to get into the surgical site, potentially leading to infections and other complications.
An improper diet or failing to follow dentist’s instructions can negatively impact how an implant heals and integrates with bone. Following surgery, it’s essential that soft foods be consumed as these may reduce irritation or pain around implants.
Accidents during oral surgery can happen, causing damage to nerves or the adjacent teeth, and potentially creating speech, bite and appearance issues. Delays in getting dental implants could prolong this problem further and become harder and more expensive to treat later. Delay also impacts self-esteem and confidence which should prompt people to consult an experienced dentist who can guide them along their journey.
