Dental Implant Problems
Dental implants are an excellent option for tooth replacement. Millions of people have already benefited from these amazing dental prosthetics. If you’ve recently had dental implants or are considering dental implants you may be wondering one of the most common questions, what problems can occur with a dental implant? Read on to learn more.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are a prosthetic that is installed in the mouth to replace teeth. Implants offer a stable solution to tooth loss because of how they are designed to work. Posts are installed into the jawbone, which over time heal and fuse to the jaw. This provides a solid foundation like a natural tooth’s root system. The implant is then installed onto the post. The result is a prosthetic that functions, feels, and looks like natural teeth. The benefits of this are amazing. Implants ensure you have a natural bite allowing you to eat and speak normally. They also help prevent further gum disease, as well as bone and muscle deterioration due to the loss of teeth.
What problems might occur from dental implants?
Although highly effective and functional, these beneficial implants can have several complications. Although complications are rare, it is important to know the potentials.
- Infection: The most common complication is an infection at the implant site. Like any surgical procedure, infections are an inherent risk. These infections can be treated however like any other infection. Treatment depends on the severity and quickness of diagnosis. Antibiotics are a common form of treatment, but in more serious cases soft tissue grafts or bone tissue removal may be necessary. To minimize the risk of infection, it is important to follow your dentist’s post operative instructions carefully.
- Gum Recession: A less common complication that might arise from dental implants is gum recession. In some instances, a person’s gum tissues may begin receding near the implant site. This can ultimately lead to inflammation of the soft tissue and discomfort. It is vital to get an assessment from your dentist right away if you notice recession occurring so that it can be corrected. Uncontrolled recession can result in the removal of the implant.
- Loose Implant: Dental implants are designed to fuse with the jawbone when healed. This occurs within a few weeks or months of the post being installed. This fusion is vital to the long-term success of the implant. In some cases, the implant does not fuse with the bone and the dental surgeon may need to remove it. It is possible when this happens to try again once the area is healed. To increase the likelihood of the fusion, follow your dentist’s instructions carefully.
- Nerve or Tissue Damage: In rare cases, a dentist may accidently place an implant too close to a nerve. This can result in numbness or pain at the implant site. These symptoms are usually short-lived, but if they continue or get worse it is important to speak with your dentist right away.
Where can I learn more?
While dental implants tend to be complication free and effective, it is important to understand the risks involved. To learn more about these complications or other, less common problems, speak with your dentist today.