Surgery to place dental implants is a common procedure with a high success rate. Nevertheless, like any other operation, there is a chance of developing complications afterward. Knowing the possible difficulties and taking the recommended steps for prevention can help patients achieve a successful outcome from the implant procedure.
Overall, complications from dental implants are fairly rare. When they do occur, some are seen more often than others.
For the implant to succeed, it has to bond completely with the jawbone. This process is called osseointegration and takes several months to complete. Osseointegration can fail if there is insufficient bone density in the person's jaw or if there is too much stress on the implant. If the process fails, the implant can become loose or fall out completely.
The human mouth is home to hundreds of species of bacteria, some of which have the potential to cause infection. The site of implantation is vulnerable to invasion from pathogens such as these. An infection of the surgical site can cause pain and systemic symptoms, such as fever or chills. There is also a chance that the infection could get into the bloodstream and spread to other areas of the body. A widespread infection is more difficult to treat and could become life-threatening.
An operation sometimes causes damage to nerves that are nearby. In the case of dental implants, this can happen because the instrumentation gets too close to the nerve. Damage to nerves can be permanent if not addressed right away, so patients should report any numbness of the mouth or excess pain immediately.
Persons undergoing a dental implant should find out what to expect during and after the procedure to understand what is normal and what is not. Anything unexpected should be reported as soon as possible. When in doubt, it is better for a patient to speak up than to remain silent and possibly allow the damage to worsen.
Implant patients should receive instructions for caring for the surgical site as it relates to their hygiene and behaviors. Patients should follow these directives as closely as possible, keeping the site clean and avoiding certain foods as instructed. Each individual should inspect the site according to the guidance provided. In particular, the patient should watch for signs of infection, such as unusual redness, swelling, pain, and drainage of pus from the surgical site. The patient should also monitor for systemic signs of infection.
The patient should manage any existing conditions that could negatively affect healing, such as diabetes. Since tobacco can also interfere with healing by depleting blood oxygen and irritating gum tissue, patients should stop smoking prior to the implant procedure.
If there is an insufficient bone density to support an implant, a bone graft to strengthen the jaw may be possible. It takes several months following the graft for the bone to become strong enough to support an implant.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Google:
Dental Implants in Bethesda, MD
The success rate of the procedure to place dental implants is typically very good. Most persons who are vigilant about following the instructions they receive for aftercare do not experience complications.
Request an appointment or call Villa Dental at 301-409-3583 for an appointment in our Bethesda office.
An implant crown is an important part of dental implants. This is a cap that goes on the end of the implant, acting as the tooth. It is natural-looking in color, shape, and size. If you are missing a tooth, you should not have to live with a gap in your mouth. This treatment can…
Patients may feel overwhelmed when a dentist suggests dental implants. The process can sound intimidating, but fortunately the practice of providing patients with a brand-new smile has been studied, modernized, and improved over the past several decades. Not only can patients feel confident smiling frequently in public again, but their oral health and daily function…
People with large gaps from missing teeth can often benefit greatly from dental implants. A dentist may suggest implants for patients who seem to struggle with personal appearance, speaking, or chewing and eating. While there are other avenues to pursue for replacing missing teeth, this type of dental procedure can work well for patients who…