As with any surgery, having a dental implant placed is not without risk. Still, implants are one of the most effective ways to safely replace one or more missing teeth. A dental implant can be used to support an individual crown or multiple implants can be placed for a full denture and have a success rate between 95% and 97%.
Potential risks that your doctor will review with you before implant surgery include infection, sinus issues, nerve damage, or even implant failure. It is important for you to understand potential risks but for most patients, the overall benefits usually win out.
Without treatment, healthy neighboring teeth will shift out of alignment in an effort to close the space left by a missing tooth. This shifting causes bone loss, allowing the teeth to become loose and possibly fall out. Replacing missing teeth is not only beneficial to your oral health but also to your overall health.
Dental Implant Problems
Infection and Failure
Anytime an incision is made on the body, there is a risk of infection. After implant placement surgery, you will be prescribed a round of antibiotics to prevent infection at the implant site. Ongoing pain, swelling, redness, bleeding, and even bad breath are all symptoms that your implant site may be infected and should be addressed by your dentist as soon as possible.
After implant placement, there is a period of healing in which the implant will fuse to your jawbone. If the implant fails to integrate, it may become loose and can even fall out. Your implant surgeon may be able to remove the failed implant and try again but you will likely need a bone graft before the new implant can be placed. This does not mean that you cannot have success with an implant, it just may take a little longer!
Sinus Problems and Nerve Damage
Sinusitis can result from an upper implant that protrudes up into the sinus cavity. Symptoms of sinusitis include tenderness or swelling in the eyes, cheeks, and forehead as well as headache, a reduced sense of smell, blocked nasal passages, fever, and toothache in the upper jaw. A sinus infection can be treated with antibiotics but you will need to see your implant surgeon to ensure the implant is in the proper place.
Additionally, if an implant is placed too close to a nerve in the lower jaw, it can result in long-term numbness or pain. If you experience persistent pain, tingling, numbness, or a tickling or burning sensation in the gum tissue near your implant, it is vital that you seek medical attention. The lower jaw has a nerve running through it called the Inferior Alveolar Nerve (IAN) and injury to this nerve can be serious.
Gum Recession
Peri-implantitis is a form of gum disease that develops due to chronic inflammation at the implant site. Symptoms may not present until after about five years and are indicated by bleeding or swelling around the implant. If your gum tissue begins to recede at the implant site, it is important to see your dentist as soon as possible.
Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth. If you are considering dental implants, discuss your options with your dentist to ensure you understand what risks and benefits are associated with dental implants.