A dental implant is a titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth. Because it is an invasive dental surgery, it is essential to know what to expect after a dental implant procedure.
Dental implant surgery has a high success rate of 90%-95% 10 years after placement because your dentist ensures you are a good candidate and provides clear instructions for post-surgery care. However, sometimes complications can arise, so you need to know what to expect after dental implant placement.
What to Expect After a Dental Implant: Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants are an excellent way to replace one or more missing teeth. They offer many benefits, including:
Improved Speech
Dental implants can help to improve your speech by providing a more stable foundation for your teeth. Unlike dentures, which can slip and shift in your mouth, dental implants are securely anchored to your jawbone. Dental implants can also help improve the clarity of your speech by preventing sagging and slurring of your words.
Increased Chewing Function
Increased Chewing FunctionDental implants can help improve your chewing function by restoring the full height of your teeth.
This is especially important if you’ve lost multiple teeth, as it can help to prevent problems with your bite and jaw joint.
Since the implants are embedded into the jawbone, they are less likely to move while chewing, unlike removable dentures.
Easier Oral Hygiene
Unlike dentures or bridges that require special cleaning solutions, dental tools and adhesives, dental implants can be brushed and flossed just like your natural teeth. This makes them easier to keep clean and helps prevent gum disease and other oral health problems.
Better Comfort
Dentures and bridges can be uncomfortable and challenging to adjust to, while implants feel and function just like your natural teeth. They offer a level of comfort and convenience that is simply not possible with other types of replacement teeth.
Natural-looking Smile
Dental implants can be used to restore your smile to its natural beauty as they can be made to match the colour of your natural teeth, so they will blend in seamlessly with your smile.
What to Expect After a Dental Implant: Potential Complications
For the first few days following your dental implant surgery, you can expect swelling around your eyes, face, and the surgical site. The swelling typically peaks around day 2 or 3 but can be alleviated with a cold compress.
You will also experience some bruising and bleeding which can last up to 72 hours. You can use a saline solution 24 hours after surgery to promote healing and soothe discomfort.
If you have excessive discomfort or bleeding 72 hours post-surgery, call your dentist because you may be experiencing one of the following dental implant complications:
Peri-implantitis
Peri-implantitis is caused by bacteria accumulating in the small space between the implant and the gum tissue. This allows the bacteria to form a biofilm, which can damage the bone and soft tissue around the implant. If left untreated, peri-implantitis can lead to the loss of the implant.
The most common symptom of peri-implantitis is inflammation of the gums. Other symptoms include bleeding, discomfort, and pus discharge. The condition can be treated with antibiotics and antiseptic mouthwashes, but surgery may be necessary to remove the implant in some cases.
Nerve Damage
This can occur if the implant is placed too close to the nerves in the jawbone. Nerve damage can cause numbness, tingling, or pain in the lips, gums, chin, and teeth. In some cases, the affected area may become permanently numb.
If you experience any of these symptoms after getting a dental implant, it is important to see a dentist as soon as possible. Nerve damage is usually treated with medications or surgery.
Sinus Perforation
The sinuses are located behind the cheekbones and serve as chambers for air circulation. When a dental implant is placed in the upper jaw, it is inserted into the sinus cavity. This can cause the sinus walls to thin out and eventually rupture. Sinus perforation can also happen if the dental implant affects the sinus floor or if the sinus mucosa is damaged during dental implant surgery.
Symptoms of sinus perforation include dental pain, facial pain, nasal discharge, and difficulty breathing. Treatment for sinus perforation may involve antibiotics or surgery to repair the perforation. In some cases, dental implants may need to be removed. Sinus perforation is a serious complication that can be uncomfortable and difficult to treat.
Implant Failure
There are several reasons why dental implants may fail, including infection, poor placement, or damage to the surrounding teeth. Symptoms of implant failure include pain, swelling, and discharge from the implant site.
Treatment typically involves removing the implant and allowing the site to heal. In some cases, it may be possible to place a new implant.
Allergic Reaction
In rare cases, people may have an allergic reaction to the materials used in dental implants. Titanium is the most common material used for dental implants and is generally considered safe. However, some people may be allergic to titanium or other metals used in dental implants.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction include itching, redness, and swelling at the implant site. Allergic reactions are typically treated with medications or surgery to remove the implant.
Loose Implant
When an implant is first placed, it is inserted into the jawbone and allowed to fuse with the bone. This process, called osseointegration, creates a strong bond between the implant and the bone. However, the implant can become loose if this bond is not strong enough.
Symptoms of a loose dental implant include pain, swelling, and redness around the implant site. In some cases, the implant may even fall out entirely. Loose implants can be treated with various methods, including surgery to re-attach the implant or dental reconstruction to replace the missing tooth.
How to Prevent Complications After Dental Implant Surgery?
There are several ways to minimise the risk of complications after dental implant surgery:
- Rinse with salt water several times daily to help kill bacteria and reduce inflammation.
- Eat soft foods for the first few days after dental implant surgery to avoid putting too much pressure on the implant.
- Maintain good oral hygiene. This means brushing and flossing regularly and avoiding sugary and acidic foods that can cause tooth decay.
Another way to reduce the risk of complications is for the dentist to take sterile precautions when performing dental implant surgery. This means using gloves, masks, and other protective gear to create a clean environment. The dental team should also use hand sanitiser before and after the procedure to help kill any bacteria that could cause infection.
Our No Gaps Dental clinics take all the necessary precautions to protect patients and prevent cross-contamination. This includes using hand sanitiser before and after every procedure, including dental implant surgery. Our staff also uses gloves from a glove dispenser and not off a countertop. Instruments are sterilised in an autoclave, and surfaces are disinfected between patients.
For your convenience, we also provide hand sanitiser for patients in our waiting rooms.
Visit an Experienced Implant Dentist at No Gaps Dental
At No Gaps Dental, we understand the importance of a healthy, beautiful smile. That’s why we offer high-quality dental implants that can restore your dental health and renew your self-confidence.
During your initial consultation, we will discuss what to expect after a dental implant procedure. Book a consultation or call us on (02) 8007 6727 today to learn more about our dental implant services.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Factors Affecting the Survival Rate of Dental Implants: A Retrospective Study
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5774056/#:~:text=
Endoscopic sinus surgery
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/surgery/endoscopic-sinus-surgery
Peri-Implantitis and Protecting Your Dental Implants
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/implants/peri-implantitis-and-your-dental-implants