Dental Implant Problems
Dental implants are one of the most effective ways to safely replace one or more missing teeth. Implants have a success rate between 95% and 97% and can be used to replace a single tooth or an entire arch of teeth. Replacing missing teeth is not only beneficial to your oral health but also to your overall health! Leaving missing teeth unrestored can allow for neighboring healthy teeth to shift in an effort to close the space and can become loose or even fall out. Dental implant placement as a surgical procedure that is not without risk as with any surgery but the benefits typically outweigh the risks for most patients.
Some of the potential risks your doctor will review with you before surgery include infection, sinus issues, nerve damage, or even implant failure. It is important for you to understand your potential risks so we will review them each in more detail here.
Potential Risks of Dental Implants
Infection: Whenever an incision is made, there is a potential risk for infection. After implant placement surgery, your doctor will prescribe a round of antibiotics to help prevent infection at the site. Any medications prescribed by your doctor should be taken as directed and in full. Signs that your implant site may be infected include pain, swelling, redness, bleeding, or even halitosis.
Loose implant / implant failure: After your implant has been placed, it is allowed to heal for up to six months. During this time, the implant will fuse to your jaw bone to provide a stable foundation for the implant restoration. If the implant fails to integrate, the implant may become loose at which point your doctor can remove the failed implant and potentially try again. They may need to prep the area with a bone graft before placing a new implant.
Nerve damage: In the event that a dental implant is placed too close to a nerve, it can cause long-term numbness or pain in the jaw. It is vital to seek medical attention if you experience persistent pain, tingling, numbness, or a tickling or burning sensation in the gum or soft tissue near your implant. A nerve or tissue problem requires immediate attention as injury to the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) in the lower jaw can be particularly serious.
Sinus problems: Sinusitis can be a result of an implant protruding up into the sinus cavity of the upper jaw. Symptoms include headache, upper toothache, tenderness or swelling in the eyes, cheeks, and forehead, reduced sense of smell, bad breath, blocked nasal passages, and fever. A sinus infection can be treated with antibiotics but you will need to see your oral surgeon for the implant.
Gum recession: Healthy gum tissue is vital to the success of the implant so if your gums begin to recede at the implant site, it is important to see your doctor for a possible gum graft to avoid losing the implant.
Peri-implantitis, a type of gum disease that develops due to chronic inflammation at the implant site, is another potential problem but does not exhibit symptoms until after about five years and is indicated by bleeding or swelling around the implant. Patients who suffer from metal allergies may experience implant failure.