Dental Implant Complications

Dental Implant Complications and Risks

Dental implants are an innovative way to replace missing or damaged adult teeth. Besides the cosmetic and aesthetic impact that missing teeth may have on one’s confidence in their appearance, missing teeth could also have many functional consequences. 

For instance, patients often complain of speech problems owing to the gaps created when teeth are lost. Many others state that they have difficulty chewing as their upper jaws and lower jaws may not align as needed, and this may lead to pain in the facial muscle or jaw because of the improper bite. What’s more, the debris of food you consume may accumulate in the gap and lead to decay and gum disease. Dental implants are thus the ideal solution for replacing missing teeth and these procedures have changed the face of dentistry in recent years. 

Implants look, feel, and function like natural teeth and offer the most realistic, long-lasting solution for the restoration of your bright smile and the functionality of your jaw. When evaluating whether you need this procedure, it is recommended that you are made aware of the possible risks that could follow bad dental implants. As with any medical procedure, if not performed by a competent dental clinic, this operation could lead to dental implant failure, tooth implant side effects, and other complications. Let us have a look at the risks below. 

What are dental implants?

This surgical procedure for inserting dental implants involves a dentist surgically implanting a metal post (typically titanium) into the bone of your jaw in place of a missing or damaged tooth. They then add an artificial tooth on top of the post to make your smile look natural. Together, the post and the crown permanently replace a missing tooth. Patients and experts alike believe that dental implants look more like natural teeth than dentures and preserve your facial contours. 

What happens during a dental implant procedure?

Let us dive into the details of what happens during this surgical procedure. 

Consultation and Planning

The dentist will first evaluate whether you are healthy enough for the surgery and the recovery process that follows. These professionals will assess your needs and accordingly may refer you to another dental office to have your measurements, extractions, and/or implants.

Oral Exam

The dentist will also ensure your jawbone can hold the dental implants in place. This comprehensive dental exam will also consider your medical history and a treatment plan for such situations.

X-Rays

To perform the procedure safely, a dentist needs a radiograph of the bone you have in your jaw. For this, dentists use intraoral X-rays. These X-rays can be used to focus on the teeth and jaw and check the development of the jaws. A patient should get dental X-rays if there are any symptoms of oral disease or if a patient has a history of tooth decay or gum disease. X-rays are also used post the surgery to help a patient keep the mouth clean and healthy, and to ensure that dental implants are functional and do not cause problems.

Depending on what type of tooth implant procedure you’re planning on having, you may need impressions of your mouth taken by the dental implant dentist to measure your mouth and plan for your procedure accordingly.

Implant Placement

During surgery to place the dental implant, your oral surgeon makes a cut to open your gum and expose the bone. Holes are drilled into the bone where the dental implant metal post will be placed. Since the post will serve as the tooth root, it’s implanted deep into the bone. At this point, you will still have a gap where your tooth is missing. A type of partial, temporary denture can be placed for appearance if needed. You can remove this denture for cleaning and while you sleep.

Healing Time, Bone Growth, and Tissue Formation

After the implanting, the jawbone typically grows into and unites with the surface of the dental implant. This process typically takes several months. This period is critical as it builds a more solid foundation for your new artificial tooth.

Abutment Placement, Healing, and the Final Implant

Once the process of the jawbone merging with the implant’s surface is complete, the dentist may suggest an added procedure to place the abutment. The abutment is a piece where the crown will eventually attach. This procedure is a minor one and can be conducted with local anesthesia in an outpatient setting. After the abutment is placed, your gums must heal for about two weeks before the artificial tooth can be attached. 

How long do dental implants last?

Implants are meant to last for decades and will keep their quality with careful care and attention.

What happens if the implant fails?

Significant bone loss around the implant is an indicator of a failed implant. The dental implant may be replaced depending on the extent of the problem. The oral surgeon will first take it out before cleaning the area. If they see that the bone around the dental implant is intact, there would be no need for a bone graft. If there is bone loss, a bone graft will be placed to improve the site for replacing the implant.

Dental Implant Complications and Risks

Risks Associated with Dental Implants

Dental implant problems are rare but easily treated in the event they do occur. The risks include:

• Infection at the implant site
• Injury or damage to surrounding structures, such as other teeth or blood vessels
• Nerve damage can cause pain, numbness, or tingling in your natural teeth, gums, lips, or your chin.

Side effects of dental implants

After a tooth has been removed, there will be a hole in the bone. This is called a socket. Once the tooth is extracted, you will form a blood clot in the socket to protect the bone and nerves. There are times when the clot can become dislodged or dissolve after a couple of days post-extraction. If this happens, that leaves the bone and nerve exposed to air, food, fluid, and anything else that goes into the mouth. This is called a dry socket. A dry socket can lead to an infection, and the pain can last for 5 to 6 days.

Although implants are durable, you must watch and keep your dental implant for long-term success. Keep an eye out for dental implant infection signs and ensure that you see your dentist regularly. You can help your dental work — and remaining natural teeth — last longer if you practice excellent oral hygiene and avoid corrosive habits. 

The future of dental implants

The science of dentistry is constantly advancing beyond expectations. Medical journals believe that the global dental implant market is expected to reach $13 billion by the year 2023.

Deciding where to get your dental implants can be daunting. But all you have to do is choose a  clinic with experienced dental experts and surgeons after a bit of research and rest assured that your procedure will go off smoothly. Your smile will be back in its splendor in no time!