There are many reasons why people would get dental implants. The procedure doesn’t always pose a problem and the healing process would go smoothly like every other surgery. However, sometimes there may be some complications and risks during and after implantation.
Some Possible Problems From Dental Implants
There are many things that can go wrong during dental implants home and abroad.
Infections
As with other surgical procedures, infection is one of the problems of having dental implants. Infection may affect only the implant area, teeth, or spread with time. Usually, the doctor gives antibiotics before and after the procedure to minimize the risk of infections. The most common types of infection are mucositis and peri-implantitis. They often come with discomfort and symptoms like inflammation, abscesses, swelling of the gums, redness, pain, bleeding, etc.
Failure to properly integrate (osseointegration)When an implant is surgically placed in any part of the body, the body needs to accept the foreign object. For dental implants, integration is when the implant blends with the bone as they begin to grow around it. The longer the implant lasts, the stronger the bond is between the bone and the foreign object. Integration would help the teeth regain stability and work properly without problems. However, a failure to properly integrate can result in implant failure, and subsequently cause losing the implants.
Invasion of the Bones and Other Tissues
Dental implants are usually placed deep inside the gum and the bone to ensure that they remain in place. With a good doctor, the damage done to the bone and gum should heal over time just like scars heal for regular surgery. However, there are cases of perforation of other soft tissues or nerves around the surgical area.
This could be as a result of placing the implants too close to the affected areas or poking the wrong place. The immediate consequence is either an excessive bone loss or infection that could be complicated. Excessive bone loss disrupts the balance of the teeth and makes the overall outcome of the operation appear quite messy. Some of the areas that can be affected include the lingual plate, inferior alveolar canal, the maxillary sinus, etc.
Loose Implants
Loose implants may occur when excessive damage is done to the bones and gums or when the integration process is not successful. For dental implants to last without complications, the implant must be properly fitted into the gum to maintain balance.
Self-inflicted Damage
Sometimes, the problems associated with dental implants are not entirely from the procedure. There are cases where people get complications from applying too much pressure on the teeth while it still heals. This could cause cracks in the teeth and disrupt integration. There are a variety of measures you can take to prevent self-inflicted damage to your implants.
Causes of Dental Implants Problems
The causes of most dental implant problems can be classified into the following;
Poor Hygiene and Maintenance
Poor hygiene can result in infections and self-inflicted damage that may cause discomfort. In worse cases, there might be a need for removal of the implant if the infection is not detected early.
Bad Surgical Procedure
Problems like perforation, loose implants, excessive bone loss, infection, or poor integration can be a result of a bad surgical procedure.
Ways to Avoid and Handle Dental Implants Problems
Maintain Proper Hygiene
More often than not, many problems of dental implants can be evaded when we maintain proper hygiene and take necessary precautions. Like natural teeth, artificial implants need to be taken care of in the right manner. First, it isn’t advisable to consume too hot or too cold food and beverages after successful implantation. Further, you should remember to clean your teeth with the right brush texture to avoid damage.
Even with your implants, you can floss now and then, and use approved mouth wash to clean up. Also, you may want to cut down on your smoking habit if you had one or do away with it until your implants have properly healed. The right maintenance and hygiene will prevent infection and help your implant last longer.
Routine Check-ups
You must take your routine checkups seriously especially during the healing process. Further, you should alert your doctor if you find anything strange or experience discomfort with your teeth. Try as much as possible to avoid over-the-counter medication and follow prescriptions precisely.
Take Precautions
You should take certain precautions against applying pressure to fresh implants. For instance, you shouldn’t consume certain solid food until your doctor permits you. This is because you may apply too much pressure on a fresh implant. Also, use a mouth shield if you are not sure about protecting your teeth, especially when you go to bed.
Conclusion
Like other surgical procedures, dental implants problems can be minute or large, depending on what the situation is. Be that as it may, its success rate is extremely higher than its failures. It is, however, important that you take proper precautions to avoid some of these dental implants problems.
