What are the Risks of Dental Implants? Being Aware of Possibilities

Dental implant surgery has a very high success rate and comes with several benefits, such as restoring the appearance of damaged teeth and improving biting and chewing functions. However, it might not be the right option for everyone as there are possible long-term effects.

This article outlines the risks and the long-term complications that can result from dental implant surgery. We’ll also discuss how dental implants work and what are the required procedures.

 

How Do Dental Implants Work?

If you have one or multiple missing teeth, dental implants are the ideal long-term treatment for you. Dental implants are replacement teeth that are surgically implanted into the jawbone. They consist of a titanium post and an artificial crown and look so much like your natural teeth.

 

Here are the steps for the dental implant procedure: 

 

Teeth Extraction

Your dentist will first remove any damaged teeth, then will give you time to heal before the next step. 

 

Jaw Preparation

After you heal from the extraction, your dentist will make sure that your jawbone is strong enough to hold the implant. The jawbone needs to be prepared for dental implants, as you may need bone grafting to increase the density of your jawbone. 

 

Dental Implant Placement

At this stage, your dentist will need to cut open your gum tissue to reveal the jawbone and drill a small hole in the jawbone so that the dental implant post can fit into it.

The dental implant is carefully placed in the jawbone, and the wound is closed with sutures. After that, you’ll wait as long as it’s needed for you to heal and for the bone to grow and hold the implant firmly in place.

 

Healing Period 

This period can last 4-6 months as it takes time for the dental implant post to fuse with the jawbone. 

 

Abutment Placement

After the implant integrates with your jawbone, an abutment is placed on the dental implant post that sits above your gum line, and it serves as a connector between the dental implant and the artificial crown.

To attach the abutment, your dentist will open the skin of your gums to reveal the impact base and attach a short metal rod. In some cases, the abutment is placed at the same time as the implant. 

 

Artificial Crown Placement

At this final stage, your dentist will take impressions to make your artificial teeth that will look exactly like your natural ones. So, once the dental implant post has fused with the jawbone, your dentist will place the artificial tooth on top of it.

 

Dental Implant Risks

Although dental implants have a high success rate, there are still risks associated with the procedure. 

 

 

Infection

Infection is one of the most common risks associated with dental implant surgery. Like any oral surgical or invasive procedure, if not taken care of properly, it can lead to severe health complications or even failure of the implant.

If you experience pain, swelling, or fluid drainage from the incision site, contact your dentist immediately. 

 

Nerve Damage

Another risk factor is nerve damage during the surgery, which can cause lasting effects, such as numbness or pain in the gums and teeth near the implant site.

X-rays help your dentist locate the nerves in your mouth with precision before starting the procedure. 

 

Sinus damage

One of the major risks is sinus damage. While your upper jaw is directly under your nasal sinuses, dental implants that are placed in the upper teeth area may inadvertently enter the sinus, causing pain or infection.

Before getting an implant, your dentist should evaluate the state of all your other teeth. Placing an implant can sometimes cause more damage to traumatised surrounding teeth that are already decaying or have root issues. 

 

Gum recession

Gum recession is a common side effect of the dental implant process. If your gums recede, they can cause your teeth to become sensitive and expose the implant’s metal post, which could lead to infection.

Your dentist will recommend that you follow good oral hygiene practices like brushing twice daily and flossing regularly to reduce your chances of gum recession. 

 

Long-term issues

Peri-implantitis is a type of gum disease that, over time, causes the loss of bone supporting the implant. This happens due to chronic inflammation at the site where the implant was placed.

Symptoms of peri-implantitis generally don’t present themselves until about five years after the infection has set in and can include bleeding or swelling around dental implants.

Though it’s uncommon, the body can sometimes reject dental implants. To better understand this phenomenon, titanium or other metals used in implants may trigger metal sensitivity reactions in some people that cause their bodies to expel the implant. As a result of these findings, it’s preferable that people get metal sensitivity testing done prior to receiving any type of metal implant.

That’s why it’s important to talk with your dentist about any potential risks before deciding on the procedure.

 

Complications of Dental Implants

If implant dentistry is not done properly, the dental implant procedure can result in complications such as failure of osseointegration or improper implant placement. 

 

Failure of Osseointegration

Osseointegration is the process where the titanium post fuses with your jawbone, and it’s essential for a successful dental implant.

If this doesn’t happen, this will cause a dental implant failure, and it won’t be able to stay in place and may need to be removed or replaced. 

 

Improper Implant Placement

It is important for your dentist to carefully measure and plan out where each implant should go before beginning the procedure.

If implants are placed at incorrect angles or too close together, they could cause damage to nerves or interfere with the functioning of surrounding teeth.

Although the risks of dental implants are minimal, it is important to always consult your dentist for a thorough evaluation before making any decisions about your dental implant treatment. By understanding the procedure and being aware of potential risks, you can make an informed decision that’s best for your oral health.

 

Contact Us to Learn More

If you are considering dental implants, contact us on (02) 8007 6727 today to set up a consultation at one of our 15 conveniently located No Gaps Dental clinics and learn more about your candidacy for this exciting procedure.

 

 

 

Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.

 

 

 

 

References

Dental Implant Surgery
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/dental-implant-surgery/about/pac-20384622

Implant surgery complications: etiology and treatment
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18545047/

Complication or substandard care? Risks of inadequate implant training
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19810646/

Complications in implant dentistry
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5379828/

Implant Surgery Complications: Etiology and Treatment
https://journals.lww.com/implantdent/fulltext/2008/06000/implant_surgery_complications__etiology_and.6.aspx

Implant Surgery Complications: Etiology and Treatment
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/5312330_Implant_Surgery_Complications_Etiology_and_Treatment

Side Effects of Dental Metal Implants: Impact on Human Health (Metal as a Risk Factor of Implantologic Treatment)
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/334381924_Side_Effects_of_Dental_Metal_Implants_Impact_on_Human_Health_Metal_as_a_Risk_Factor_of_Implantologic_Treatment