Dental Implant Problems
Functioning as a kind of tether or anchor, dental implants are small artificial components inserted into a person’s jawbone to be used with prosthetic teeth. Dental implants do have some associated risks.
Dental Implants: Basics
In dental implant treatments, small screw like structures serving as anchors are inserted into the jawbone by an oral surgeon. Acting as connector pieces, these abutments (the small screw-like structures) allow for the eventual placement of a crown, which looks, feels and performs much like a person’s real tooth. Generally acknowledged to be more comfortable and natural feeling than traditional dentures, dental implants are known to have some advantages to traditional dentures such as, lower risk of cavities, better chewing functionality, and decreased sensitivity in nearby teeth, all of which results in better general health. However, while there are several kinds of dental implants, they still are not right for every person in need of dentures.
Implant Surgery and Safety
When performed by a qualified dentist and/or surgeon, implant surgery is considered a safe surgery. Interestingly, dental implant surgery is the only dental restoration surgery that can maintain, possibly even improve, the health of a person’s jawbone. It is also known to stimulate the growth of the jawbone.
Possible Risks
It’s important to recognize that dental implants are not an option for every person in need of dentures. Dental implant surgery is not safe for anybody who has an acute illness. It also is not safe for anyone suffering from uncontrollable metabolic disease - or anyone with soft tissue infection or disease or bone infection or disease. Most dental/oral surgeons will not operate on patients with HIV, AIDS, osteoporosis, behavioral and/or psychiatric disorders, or anyone with heavy smoking habits, anyone undergoing radiation therapy of neck or head, and chemotherapy. Any person with any of these conditions will have increased risk for an unsuccessful implant surgery.
Potential Complications with Implant Surgery
With any kind of surgery there is always some risk involved. Anyone undergoing dental implant surgery is at risk for certain complications including infection, nerve damage, opening of the incision, exposure above the gum line of the implant, or even possible movement of the implant.
Anyone who experiences implant exposure or movement might need additional procedures to address the health of the gums and/or bones, or might even need to have the implant taken out and then replaced.
Symptoms that the implant surgery was not fully successful include the following: any pain when tapping near or on the implant, rapid bone loss, looseness of the implant, or any pus or secretions.
After the Implant Surgery
Regular brushing and flossing are still necessary after dental implant surgery. Your prosthetic teeth will need the same care as your regular teeth. A post implant surgery follow-up appointment will be needed, and regular dental checkups will be needed for maintaining optimal oral health
Summary
Implant surgeries are considered to have a high success rate. Implants can offer a person considerable benefits. Check with your dentist if you are considering dental implants.