Dental implant surgery is becoming the preferred tooth replacement option of many. This dental restoration brings back stability to the mouths of patients. A prosthodontist will drill a hole where your natural tooth used to be and then place titanium rods. Stitching your gum tissue over the rods helps the healing process. It will take several weeks for the titanium rods to fuse with your jawbone and gum tissue. The successful fusion will help support and strengthen your artificial tooth or dental crown.
Common Dental Implant Surgery Problems
A dental implant can last for a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. That is why this procedure is becoming more popular. According to the AAID (American Academy of Implant Dentistry), the number of dental implant patients increases by about 50,000 each year. However, many patients who get dental implants suffer from issues. This shows that a dental implant is not for everyone. Below are some of the potential problems from getting a dental implant.
1. Gum recession
Some patients may notice their gum tissue receding around their implants. Gum recession may lead to pain and inflammation. Without treatment, the implant will fail. As a result, the prosthodontist will have to remove the titanium rods. The patient must come in for a dental check to resolve the issue.
2. Infection
This is one of the worst problems a dental implant patient can have. Infection often starts when the patient does not practice proper aftercare. This includes proper dental care and regular dental visits. As a result, bacteria enter the implant space. This can lead to implant failure if the patient does not receive proper treatment.
The dental surgeon may prescribe antibiotics. If medication is not enough, the surgeon will perform a gum graft. For a jawbone infection, the surgeon will need to remove the infected bone and even the implant.
3. Tissue or nerve damage
There are cases where the dental surgeon places a titanium rod near a nerve by accident. As a result, the patient experiences long-term pain or numbness. This DIS-induced damage can be debilitating to the patient. Eating, speaking, and performing daily tasks will seem almost impossible.
This DIS problem must receive immediate treatment. The affected nerve is the IAN (inferior alveolar nerve) in the lower jaw. This type of injury can become serious. The patient will experience numbness on the side of the dental implant. In addition, burning sensation on the skin and gums becomes persistent.
4. Loose implant
Fusion of the titanium rods to the jawbone and gum tissue must happen after DIS. This is the most vital part of the procedure. It can take several months before this process finishes. The dental surgeon will need to remove the dental implant if it fails. After complete healing, the surgeon may try to perform the DIS again.
5. Damage from severe impact
Excessive force can loosen or crack the implant. Some patients apply too much force without even knowing it. Teeth grinding while sleeping can damage the implant. Wearing a mouthguard can prevent damage to the implant and the neighboring natural teeth.
6. Sinus problems
Sinus cavities are spaces in the face. The nearest ones to the upper jaw are those on both sides of the nose bridge, below the cheeks, and above the teeth. These are the maxillary sinuses. Upper jaw dental implants can bulge into the maxillary cavities. As a result, the sinuses swell up. This becomes sinusitis.
7. Perforation
DIS often results in injury to the neighboring dental structures. Perforation of structures like the labial and lingual plates happens. Infection and sinus issues happen when the implants penetrate the maxillary sinus cavities.
8. Integration failure
A dental implant must integrate into the jawbone. This is the key to the famed stability of this dental restoration. The implant fails when the implant does not fuse or integrate. To avoid this, the surgeon prescribes prophylactic antibiotics before the DIS.
9. Bone loss
Bone loss can decrease the implant’s stability. This needs immediate treatment. A decrease in bone density between implants results in black triangles. These are not easy to look at. As the triangles get bigger, the patient finds it more difficult to clean and maintain the cleanliness of teeth.
10. Peri-implantitis
This condition is inflammation in the hard and soft tissues around the fused dental implant. Peri-implantitis takes about five years to develop. This results in an increase in bacterial overload.
Familiarize Yourself With Dental Implant Issues and Get Early Treatment
Not everyone experiences all the positives offered by dental implants. Some patients develop complications and other issues. The dental surgeon can check and treat these issues. It may take time, but you can have a better quality of life if you have these problems corrected.
