Dental implant surgery (DIS) has a high success rate, but not everyone is a good candidate for it. It could raise a few potential issues after the implant procedure.
This article talks about the short-term and long-term problems that could come after DIS. It also tells you how often implants work, what to do afterwards, and how long it takes to get better.
How do dental implants work?
Dental implants can be helpful, but the surgery to put them in can be dangerous.
A dental implant is a way to replace a missing tooth that will last for a long time.
The root of the original tooth is replaced by a titanium screw that is screwed into the jawbone by a dentist.
During the time it takes to heal, the implant and jawbone grow together. After the bone grows around the implant, it can hold a false tooth or crown.
Dental implants can be useful and look good in many ways.
Dental implant can help repair the look of damaged teeth and making it easier to bite and chew as well as preventing bone loss by stabilising the teeth and jaw tissue around them
Possible problems that could arise from surgery
There are a few different problems that could happen after DIS. Some of these will be explained in the sections that follow.
Here are some of the most common issues that could happen after DIS.
Infection
The best way to treat an infection depends on how bad it is and where it is. For example, a bacterial infection in the gums may need antibiotics or a soft tissue graft. If there is a bacterial infection in the bone, the infected bone tissue and possibly the implant may need to be taken out. After that, a bone and soft tissue graft may be needed.
Gum recession
In some cases, the gum tissue around the implant may start to fall away. This could cause swelling and pain. To keep the implant from being taken out, you need to see a dentist right away for an evaluation.
Loose implant
After DIS, the dental implant will grow and join with the jawbone over the next few weeks. This is called osseointegration, and it is very important for the implant to work well in the long run. This can take several months.
If the implant doesn’t grow into the bone, the dentist may take it out. Once the area has healed, the person may be able to try the implant process again.
Nerve or tissue damage
Sometimes, a dental surgeon may inadvertently place a dental implant too close to a nerve. This can make you feel numb, tingly, or hurt. Most people who have dental implant surgery have short-term side effects, but some people have long-term side effects.
A problem with a nerve or tissue needs to be fixed right away. If you hurt the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) in your lower jaw, it could be dangerous. Some signs that you might have an IAN injury are:
Pain or discomfort that doesn’t go away on the side of the implant, including the lower lip and chin. Tingling, tickling, or burning feelings in the gums and skin.
Problems that happen less often DIS can also cause problems like sinus problems and damage to the dental implant itself.
Sinus issues
Dental implants in the upper jaw can stick out into the sinuses, causing inflammation in the sinuses. This condition is called sinusitis.
Some of the possible signs of sinusitis are:
- Pain, tenderness, or swelling around the cheeks, eyes, or yellow nasal mucus
- A stuffy nose
- smell less than it used to
- headaches from the sinuses
- toothache
- bad breath, a fever, etc.
- Damage caused by too much force
Some people may use too much force on their dental implants without knowing it. Some people, for example, brux, or grind, their teeth while they sleep. People who do this often might need to wear a mouthguard to protect both the implant and their natural teeth.
There is also a small chance that the body will reject an implant. Based on a 2019 review, researchers are looking into the risks of getting titanium or other metal dental implants. Some people have a rare allergy to metals, which makes their bodies reject metal implants. Before getting these implants, the researchers say that people should get tested for metal sensitivity.
To learn more about how dental implants work, pre and post care tips and insights, visit this dental implant website.
