What are the risks and complications related to dental implants?

No medical or dental operation, including dental implants, is without risk or potential complications. Although implants have a high percentage success rate, some individuals have adverse effects and problems. However, most risks of dental implants procedure and complications related to dental implants are mild and readily addressed if you contact your dentist as soon as possible.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are a reliable method of replacing missing or damaged adult teeth. It is a process in which your dentist inserts a metal post into your jawbone to replace a lost tooth. They will then place a fake tooth on top of the post to make your smile more realistic. Implants are sufficiently sturdy to survive typical chewing.

Implants are superior to dentures or bridgework when they function correctly. They are more durable and pleasant than detachable teeth but need repeated treatments and carry some risk of problems.

Complications of dental implant procedures

Osseointegration failure

Osseointegration is the process through which bone develops around your implant. If osseointegration fails, the implant will be insufficient to secure the crown's hold. This is referred to as dental implant failure. If a dental implant fails, it can fall out on its own. Therefore, if your dental implant fails, you and your dentist can decide whether to replace it or try a different solution.

Improper implant placement

Your dentist may make a mistake when installing your implant. Complications might arise if there is an issue with the implant's position or angle. The implant may fail to fuse correctly with the bone, be too near to neighboring teeth, cause discomfort, or become loose or unpleasant. In this case, your dentist will replace or remove the implant. Before obtaining a new implant, you should get a second opinion from a different dentist.

Risks related to dental implants

Minor risks

Side effects are a normal reaction to the changes that occur throughout the dental implant surgery and are an expected outcome of dental implant treatment. Fortunately, these side effects are usually mild and last a short time.

• Discomfort: As with any oral surgery, you can expect some discomfort in the days after treatment.
• Bleeding: While bleeding is not usually a concern following dental implant therapy, you should expect some bleeding at the implant site. This bleeding is generally minor and should only last a day or two.
• Swelling: It is typical for you to have to swell around the gum line and treatment site. This swelling will go down with time, but you can speed up the healing process using cold packs. After dental implant surgery, the cheeks and sides of the face may seem rushed in some circumstances.
• Bruising: Another potential adverse effect of dental implant therapy is bruising. Bruising on the face is possible. However, bruising, like swelling, will progressively fade in the days after treatment.

Severe risks

Sinus damage

Sinus injury is a significant risk with dental implants. Your upper jaw is right next to your nasal sinuses. Moreover, implants to replace your front teeth can potentially enter the sinus, causing pain or infection. If this occurs, your dentist will recommend how to handle the condition.

Infections

Dental implant surgery, like any other oral surgical operation, has the risk of infection. Contact your dentist if you have discomfort, swelling, or fluid flowing from the incision site. Your dentist will teach you how to clean your incisions as they recover. Additional operations may be required to treat a gum or bone infection.

Nerve damage

Implant surgery can cause nerve damage, which is exceedingly rare. However, nerve injury might have long-term consequences. Therefore, you should consider the risks with your dentist before the operation. Before the treatment, your dentist should take X-rays to pinpoint the nerves in your mouth.

Conclusion

Every dental operation includes a few side effects, but most are minor and disappear immediately. Because dental implants are an intrusive operation, swelling, discomfort, and bruising are unavoidable throughout your recovery. Most of the time, if you have any of these symptoms, your dentist will prescribe an antibiotic or pain reliever.

Contact your Lafayette dentist, Dr. Massood Darvishzadeh, DDS at Lafayette Dental Group, to learn more about the risks and complications related to dental implants.

Resource:

Pro & Cons of Dental Implants

This media/content or any other on this website does not prescribe, recommend, or prevent any treatment or procedure. Therefore, we highly recommend that you get the advice of a qualified dentist or other medical practitioners regarding your specific dental condition.