What problems can occur after dental implant surgery?
What problems can occur after dental implant surgery?
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Although dental implant surgery (DIS) has a high success rate and may be good for some people, it is not suitable for everyone. It also has the potential to cause long-term complications.
This article outlines the potential complications and long-term issues that can result from DIS. It also provides information on implant success rates, aftercare, and recovery time.
How do dental implants work?
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While dental implants can be beneficial, surgery can pose a risk.A dental implant is a long-term replacement for a missing tooth. The implant is a titanium screw that a dental surgeon screws into the jawbone in place of the original tooths root.
Over a recovery period, the implant and jawbone fuse together. After fusing, the implant can support an artificial tooth or crown.
Dental implants can have several functional and cosmetic benefits, including:
- restoring the appearance of damaged teeth
- improving biting and chewing function
- stabilizing surrounding teeth and jaw tissue
- preventing bone loss
Potential complications from surgery
There are several potential complications that can occur following DIS. The sections below will outline some of these.
Below are some of the more common problems that may develop following DIS.
Infection
An infection at the implant site is the most common complication of DIS.
Treatment for an infection depends on the severity and location of the infection. For example, a bacterial infection in the gum may require antibiotics or a soft tissue graft. A bacterial infection in the bone may require removal of the infected bone tissue and possibly the implant, followed by a bone and soft tissue graft.
Gum recession
In some cases, a person may find that the gum tissue around the implant begins to recede. This can lead to inflammation and pain. Getting a prompt assessment from a dentist is essential to prevent the removal of the implant.
Loose implant
In the first few weeks following DIS, the dental implant will grow and fuse with the jawbone. This process is called osseointegration, and it is crucial to the long-term success of the implant. This process can take many months.
If the implant fails to fuse with the bone, the dental surgeon may remove it. A person may be able to reattempt the implant procedure once the area has healed.
Nerve or tissue damage
Sometimes, a dental surgeon may inadvertently place a dental implant too close to a nerve. This can cause numbness, tingling, or pain. Short-term symptoms are most common in dental implant surgery, but a person may experience long-term symptoms.
A nerve or tissue problem requires immediate attention. Injury to the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) in the lower jaw can be potentially serious. Some possible symptoms of an IAN injury include:
- persistent numbness on the side of the implant, including the lower lip and chin
- persistent pain or discomfort
- tingling, tickling, or burning sensations in the gums and skin
Less common problems
DIS may also result in some less common problems, such as sinus issues and damage to the dental implant itself.
Sinus issues
Upper jaw dental implants can protrude into the sinus cavities, causing inflammation of the sinuses. This is known as sinusitis.
Some potential symptoms of sinusitis include:
- pain, tenderness, or swelling around the cheeks, eyes, or forehead
- green or yellow nasal mucus
- a blocked nose
- a reduced sense of smell
- sinus headaches
- toothache
- bad breath
- a high temperature
Damage from excessive force
As with any tooth, excessive force or impact can cause a dental implant to crack or become loose.
Some people may apply excessive force to dental implants without even realizing it. For example, some people grind, or brux, their teeth while sleeping. People who are prone to this behavior may need to wear a mouthguard to prevent damage to the implant as well as their natural teeth.
Long-term issues
Peri-implantitis is a type of gum disease that causes loss of the bone supporting the implant. It develops due to chronic inflammation at the site of the implant.
According to one review, peri-implantitis can take about 5 years to progress and cause symptoms. These symptoms typically include bleeding or swelling around the site of the dental implant.
There is also a rare possibility of the body rejecting a dental implant. Based on a review, researchers are investigating the risks of using dental implants made from titanium or other metals. Some people have a rare metal sensitivity that causes their body to reject metal implants. The researchers recommend that people undergo metal sensitivity testing before receiving such implants.
Who should have dental implants?
Dental implants are a good solution for people who are replacing teeth damaged by severe decay or trauma.
However, two potential problems regarding dental implants are suitability and success rate.
Suitability
One key problem with dental implants is that they are not suitable for everyone.
To receive dental implants, a person must have good overall health. They must also have healthy gums and a healthy jawbone, as these structures will support the dental implant throughout the persons lifetime.
Dental implants are unsuitable for children, as their facial bones are still growing.
Success rate
Sometimes, a dental implant may fail. Healthcare professionals categorize implant failure into one of two categories: early failure (which occurs shortly after the insertion of the implant) or late failure (which occurs after the implant has been in place for a period of time).
Dental implants have a success rate of around 90-95%. However, they may have a reduced success rate among people who:
- smoke
- have diabetes
- have gum disease
- have had radiation therapy to the jaw area
- take certain medications
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Taking care of implants
The best way to ensure the success of a dental implant is to follow the aftercare advice the surgeon provides.
After undergoing DIS, a person should avoid hot food and drinks while numb and stick to a soft food diet for at least a few days.
As with a persons natural teeth, an implant and the tissues surrounding it require regular cleaning. A person should floss the area at least once per day after the gums have healed and use interdental brushes to access areas that are more difficult to reach.
People should also schedule regular dental check-ups and appointments for cleaning areas below the gum line.
People who smoke may wish to consider quitting, as this will reduce the risk of complications from DIS.
When to see a dentist
Following DIS, a dentist may prescribe antibiotics to help prevent infection. A person may also require an over-the-counter or prescription pain reliever to help alleviate any pain.
Any swelling or bruising should subside within a few days of the surgery. However, if pain and swelling persist beyond a week, the person should book a follow-up dental appointment.
The process of initial healing takes a few weeks, and full osseointegration can take months. A person should seek medical attention if their dental implants begin to move slightly or continue to hurt after a few weeks. Addressing the problem is crucial to preventing complications.
Outlook
Simple DIS usually only requires local anesthetics, so most people tend to have a relatively short recovery time.
However, some people may experience the following symptoms after DIS:
- pain at the site of the dental implant
- minor bleeding
- bruising of the gums or skin
- swelling of the gums or face
A dentist or oral surgeon will advise that the person gets plenty of rest following the procedure. They may also recommend a temporary diet of soft foods and the application of an ice pack to the affected part of the face to help alleviate inflammation and swelling.
Discomfort levels may vary from person to person and depending on the number of implants the surgeon placed. However, taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen should be sufficient to alleviate any pain. Pain medications are usually necessary for 23 days after the procedure.
The average time it takes for a person to heal after DIS varies, from around 2-6 months. Once healing is complete, the dental surgeon can place an artificial tooth onto the implant.
Summary
DIS is not suitable for everyone. A person will need to undergo an extensive dental examination by a surgeon to determine whether or not they are a suitable candidate for the procedure.
Dental implants have a high success rate of around 95%, and they lead to an increased quality of life for many people.
However, dental implants can cause complications, such as infections, gum recession, and nerve and tissue damage. A person should see their dental surgeon if they develop any worrying symptoms following DIS.
Dental Implants: Surgery, Advantages, Risks, & Insurance
There are a couple of different types of implants that differ in how they are attached to your jawbone.
Dental implants are usually titanium posts that are permanently inserted into your jaw. They're like artificial roots that make a base onto which your dentist can attach a replacement tooth. On the other hand, dentures are substitutes for your teeth instead of replacements. Dentures are usually made of metal, acrylic, or nylon plates and porcelain teeth. They're removable and generally sit on top of your gums.
Dental implants are replacement roots for missing teeth. They're often more comfortable and help maintain your jaw and face shape better than dentures. (Photo Credit: E+/Getty Images)
Dental implants are titanium or ceramic posts inserted into your jawbone to hold artificial teeth. They act like the roots of your natural teeth to provide a strong foundation for fixed (permanent) or removable replacement teeth that are made to match your natural teeth.
You will need one or more surgical procedures to get an implant, so it's important that you have a thorough medical evaluation before you start the procedure. You want to make sure you haven't developed any conditions that may prevent you from healing well after the surgery. You will usually have a comprehensive dental exam. Your dentist will take X-rays of your teeth and jaw and make models of them.
Here are some things to keep in mind:
Insurance coverage of dental implants often depends on whether your medical or dental insurance applies, or whether both apply. Talk to your oral surgeon's office staff about the extent of your surgery and what your insurance will cover.
Dental implants may not be right for you if you:
Most people who are missing one, several, or all of their teeth are candidates for dental implants. In general, if you're healthy enough to have a tooth removed or have a root canal, you can be considered for a dental implant .
Dental implant surgery is usually an outpatient procedure that's performed in stages to allow you to heal in between. The entire procedure can take months because the bone in your jaw needs to grow and heal around the implant before the dentist can attach your artificial tooth.
You may meet with all the specialists who will be involved in your surgery, such as:
How Successful Are Dental Implants?
Success rates of dental implants vary, depending on your overall health and habits. But, for people with good health and oral hygiene habits, implants are successful 90%-95% of the time.
How Painful Are Dental Implants?
Since getting implants involves having surgery, you should expect a bit of pain. But, according to several studies, most people say that they had less pain and swelling during and after their dental implant surgery than after having a tooth removed.
After the surgery, you can usually manage your pain and swelling with over-the-counter pain medications, such as Tylenol or Motrin.
Dental Implants Complications
The risk of complications is minimal if your surgeon has a lot of experience performing implant surgery. But, like all surgical procedures, dental implant surgery does have potential risks:
- Infection
- Sinus damage
- Nerve damage
- Implant placed in an area that doesn't work long-term
- Allergic reaction to the implant material (this is very rare)
Dental Implant Recovery
Recovery times vary after surgery, but most people can get back to their normal activities in about 3 days. Right after surgery, you may have the following:
- Swelling and bruising in your gums and face
- Pain where your implant was placed
- Minor bleeding
Your dentist or surgeon may prescribe you pain medicine and antibiotics. Make sure you take your medicine as prescribed by your doctor.
Any swelling or pain should get better over time, but if it doesn't, talk to your surgeon.
You may want to eat soft foods until your gums heal.
It can take several months for your jawbone to heal and grow around your implant. You'll need to go to your surgeon and dentist for follow-up visits so they can make sure you're healing well.
Long-term dental care
Dental implants require the same care as your real teeth, including brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups.
Takeaways
Dental implants are permanent replacement roots inserted in your jaw. Your implant will be a base for a replacement tooth, which could be a crown, bridge, or denture. Getting implants can take several dental surgeries with a few months of healing in between. But, in most cases, they're a better option than dentures, as they tend to be more comfortable and can help you chew, speak, and look better.
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