Dental implant treatment is becoming an increasingly popular solution for missing teeth. Thousands of American adults are investing in dental implant treatment each year. A dental implant is a post that is placed in the jawbone during surgery. Implants are designed to act like the root of a new tooth, supporting an artificial crown or prosthetic denture that can be attached on top. Implants offer stability and durability that many alternative treatments do not. Unfortunately, complications can occur after the dental implant surgery. Before you commit to the implant treatment, your dentist will want to make sure you are familiar with all of the potential complications and problems that can occur with dental implants. Below is more information on the common problems and complications that can happen with dental implant treatment.
Common Problems with Dental Implants
Although they are rare, unwanted problems can occur after dental implant treatment. Some of the common dental implant problems include:
* Sinus issues: Dental implants placed in the upper jaw can cause obstruction to the sinuses. This obstruction may result in swelling that can cause headaches, pain, tenderness, or puffiness around the eyes.
* Damage: Just like natural teeth, damage to dental implants may be caused by accidents, trauma or excessive force. Grinding the teeth, also called bruxism, can also damage dental implants. If you grind your teeth, you should let your dentist know prior to getting dental implant treatment. They can help you explore options to protect your dental implants from the damage nightly grinding can cause.
Dental Implant Surgery Complications
Dental implant treatment requires a surgical procedure to install the implant in the jawbone. Though rare, complications can occur after the surgery, including:
* Infection: Implant surgery can cause an infection if post-surgery instructions aren’t followed closely. Treating this infection will depend on the severity and location of the infection.
* Gum recession: Sometimes the gum tissue around the implant starts to recede and pullback from the implant. This receding tissue can cause swelling and discomfort. If you notice the tissue around your implant is receding, you should contact your dentist.
* Loose implant: For the dental implant to be successful, a post-surgery healing period is required to allow time for the implant to fuse to the jawbone in a process called osseointegration. However, in some rare cases, the implant does not successfully fuse with the jawbone and must be removed.
* Nerve or tissue damage: A dental implant that is placed too close to a nerve can cause prolonged numbness and pain. If you notice your implant is feeling numb, tingly, or uncomfortable you should contact your dentist immediately.
Avoiding Dental Implant Complications
To avoid dental implant complications, it is important to follow post-surgery instructions provided by the oral surgeon. After the implant surgery, hot and cold food and drinks and strenuous activity should be avoided for three to five days. After surgery, it is also important to keep the tissue surrounding the implant clean. Lastly, to make sure your dental implants are healing successfully, it is important to maintain regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings.