One of the major risks of dental implant surgery is that the implants will not fuse correctly with the bone. Osseointegration is a vital part of receiving dental implants. If, for some reason, this step does not occur the implants will not function properly and can be uncomfortable, become loose, or fall out completely. To reduce this risk, Dr. Woods will evaluate the density of the jaw bone to ensure that it is capable of withstanding surgery. In the event that integration does fail, the implant may loosen or fall out completely, or your body may for reasons still not agreed upon in the medical community, “reject” the titanium implant as a foreign substance.
In rare cases, placement of dental implants can lead to damage of blood vessels or nerves. This can lead to pain, swelling and a tingling sensation in the teeth, lips and gums. While this is uncommon, choosing a qualified dentist, such as Dr. Woods, to perform your dental implant surgery will help ensure that you do not experience this side effect.
In instances where implants are being placed in the upper jaw, they can affect the sinus cavities. This can be corrected, however, with sinus augmentation surgery or a sinus “lift.” Patients with poor immune systems should watch for signs of infection following dental implantation. It is important to follow post-operative instructions in order to decrease the chances of these dental implants risks.
In addition to long-term dental implants risks, there are side effects that patients may experience immediately after surgery. Because dental implant surgery is an invasive procedure, swelling of the gums is possible. This typically lessens in about 3 days.
Patients may experience mild to moderate pain following the procedure. Dr. Woods can prescribe pain medication for use in the initial days after treatment. Any residual pain can be treated with over the counter medicines.
There are some factors that place individuals at particular risk for the complications mentioned . Individuals who smoke or drink are at an increased risk of infection both during and after the procedure. In addition, both of these habits can adversely affect healing time, which can delay the placement of restorations. If your are a smoker or there are problems positioning your dental implant, Dr. Woods may recommend a bridge or partial denture rather than a dental implant, rather than risk a failed dental implant.