Dental Implant Complications
Dental implants are made from titanium, stainless steel, or ceramic materials. These implants offer many benefits over other types of treatment, such as dentures and bridges. The graft is fixed in position and will not move or shift out of place during normal activities like eating, speaking, or even sleeping. In addition, they are durable.
There are a few complications that can arise with dental implants. Some of these complications include infection, pain, and nerve damage. The most common complication is infection. The implant goes through the jawbone, and many areas can become infected if not cleaned properly. The other major complication of implants is pain around the gum. This happens when the bone around the implant doesn’t heal properly or when nerves get damaged during surgery.
Other complications of implantation include:
– Gum recession
– Tissue or nerve damage
– Sinus damage
– Implant failure
– Bone loss
– Loose implants
1. Infection
Dentists and their assistants use dental implants to secure the replacement teeth back in place. However, the implants are not indestructible. A regular oral examination is recommended to ensure no signs of infection.
When people have implants, they are normally given a post-operative handout by their dentist. This is intended to provide some guidance for the immediate and long-term care of the implants. While many people do follow this advice, many others don’t, leading to an increased rate of infections. For example, most dentists recommend that you exercise caution when brushing your teeth around an graft because it can dislodge the graft or cause damage.
2. Gum Recession
Gum recession is a complication of dental implantation placement. If left untreated, the bone in your gums will heal abnormally and possibly cause a lot of pain. This is why it’s important to get the gum recession diagnosed as soon as possible and treated accordingly; otherwise, you could end up having to get the operation redone or, worse yet, lose your teeth completely.
3. Tissue or Nerve Damage
Implantation is a complex process that can come with complications, including tissue or nerve irritation. If this happens, it is important to find a dentist in your area that can assist you in restoring your oral health. If you are experiencing chronic pain from implants, several treatment options are available to help alleviate the discomfort.
Some of these treatment include:
– Local anesthesia for numbing the skin around implanted teeth. A cotton swab dipped in ice or a hot/cold pack can be applied where implants are inserted.
– A dental crown is an artificial tooth with a root surface and a crown covering it, placed on top of a graft. This helps protect the implants and make chewing more comfortable.
– If the patient experiences pain in their jaw, they may benefit from a dental splint made of a wire mesh material attached to the chewing surface of the mouth that helps space out teeth and allow them to wear away at the implants. This can be helpful for some people who experience aches and soreness from grinding their teeth.
4. Bone Loss
Bone loss is a complication that can arise during implantation process. This complication may result in the implants becoming loose, causing discomfort and pain. It is important to pay attention to what you eat and drink and your weight if you have bone loss. Soft foods such as yogurt, ice cream, and water are recommended for a few days. To avoid possible damage, you should also apply pressure to the implants by biting down on a gauze or cloth.
5. Implant Failure
Implants are one of the most common procedures to replace damaged or missing teeth and restore the smile. In 2000, it was estimated that about 700,000 implants were performed each year. Graft failure happens in about 15% of all cases and is responsible for causing pain and other complications.
Common Causes of Implant Failure
1. Misalignment
Positioning the implants such that they are completely covered by bone is one of the most difficult elements of implantation dentistry. What dentists view as the best position for the graft in the bone is not always the same as the best. As a result, the implants may become misaligned with the bone. When it fails to align with the bone, the crowns may seem unnatural, and the gums may recede.
2. Failed Osseointegration
The establishment of a structural relationship between the bone and the freshly placed titanium graft is called osseointegration. This procedure might take anything from a few weeks to many months. In certain cases, the implants may not entirely integrate with the jawbone. They might become loose or possibly fall out due to this. The major cause of failed osseointegration is a lack of sufficient bone to place the implants.
When it comes to dentistry, bone density and general health are very significant factors to consider. Your dentist will do a bone health assessment before the operation. If there isn’t enough bone, a bone transplant or sinus lift treatment may be necessary to restore the proper conditions for the implants to be placed.
6. Loose Implants
Loose implants are a complication of dental implantation. Loose implants can become dislodged without causing significant problems, but they may interfere with breathing and swallowing if the implants become too loose.
7. Sinus Damage
The risk of sinus damage is a complication that is often overlooked but can be very serious. Sinuses are membranes inside the skull and face that connect to the nasal passages. These membranes can be easily damaged during implantation, resulting in sinusitis.