Dental Implant Problems

Dental implants rely on a metal screw placed into your jaw that not only holds a beautiful new crown or dentures in place, but also fortifies your jaw and prevents further bone erosion. The technology used leaves little room for problems when the procedure’s performed by the talented team of experts at Albany County Dental Associates. At the same time, unforeseen issues can crop up. Be upfront with your dentist about any concerns you may have to reduce your risks of complications.

Dental implants have revolutionized the dental industry. Since they can completely restore the function of your bite and the beauty of your smile, they have effectively changed how many people think about tooth loss. And even though dental implant technology is top-of-the-line, you still need to rely on an experienced dentist like your cosmetic dentist at Albany County Dental Associates  to do the surgical procedure.

Investing in quality dental work drastically reduces the likelihood of complications. And while dental implants do carry some risks, they provide a strong, long-lasting solution to tooth loss. Implants improve your smile, boosting your overall physical health and increasing your confidence. Your Albany Dental team is committed to your ultimate dental health with plans that provide you and your family affordable solutions.

Dental Implant Problems May Arise

Dental implant problems can become serious if left untreated. Some dental implant complications are more common than others. But as the Mayo Clinic reports: “Like any surgery, dental implant surgery poses some health risks. Problems are rare, though, and when they do occur, they’re usually minor and easily treated.”

Potential risks include:

  • Dental implant infection is the most-often concern dentists see. There is a risk of infection with any type of surgical procedure. But a dental implant is a foreign object that’s introduced into your jaw. Though the metal used — titanium — is compatible with human physiology, it’s possible for you to have a negative reaction to the implant. Then your jawbone doesn’t fuse properly with the implant. Some dental implant infections can become severe enough to break the bond between your implant and your jaw, even if they did fuse.
  • Peri-implantitis can affect the hard and soft tissue surrounding your implant. Peri-implantitis is an inflammatory condition caused by bacteria and other microorganisms. It needs to be treated if you experience:
    • Bone loss
    • Bleeding
    • Suppuration, an abscess that causes pus to leak from the surgical site
  • Implant failure is possible if your bone and implant have failed to fuse properly. In some cases, your body may simply reject the implant.
  • Nerve damage is another possibility with almost every surgical procedure. Unfortunately, if you experience nerve damage and associated nerve pain with an implant, your implant must be completely removed to treat the problem.
  • Fractures pose an elevated risk if you have a tendency to grind your teeth or clench your jaw. Fracture can also occur if your implant isn’t placed properly.
  • Sinus damage can happen when you get implants in your upper jaw. Tell your dentist if you already suffer from sinus issues. A tear or puncture in your sinus requires additional surgery to correct. If your sinus appears too low during your consultation tests and scans, your dentist may decide that you need a sinus augmentation first, to move it safely out of the way before you get your implant.
  • Gum recession becomes an issue when implants are positioned incorrectly. Recession can also present a problem if there was insufficient bone or gum tissue before your implant procedure. Your dentist can avoid these issues by performing a bone graft or gum graft procedure, as necessary.

You Can Make It Worse

Although your restorative dentist takes every precaution to fit your new implants, you can cause complications through your own actions or from medical conditions you develop. Certain conditions and lifestyle choices increase your odds for experiencing dental implant complications. These include:

  • Smoking
  • Excessive alcohol consumption
  • Untreated peritonitis or gum disease
  • Poor hygiene
  • Cancer

Dental implants can improve your quality of life, but you must be willing to make a commitment to your overall oral health. You must care for your implants to prevent bacteria build-up because the tissue around your implants is more susceptible to gum disease and infection. Regular dental visits for cleaning and checkups ensure your implants are being looked after properly.

Knowledge Is Power

Dental work is one area of your life where you should avoid cutting corners. Not everything that’s a low price is a good deal. You may end up with a lot more than you bargained for. The skill of your dentist and the quality of the materials are what make the difference between a beautiful smile and a nightmare recovery.

You should always take any dental implant complications seriously. They can quickly get out of hand. It’s normal to be sore after getting your implants. But if you’re experiencing an unusual amount of pain or your discomfort just won’t fade, it could be a sign of an underlying problem.