Is There Any Risk Involved With Dental Implants?

Written by:

Dr. Justin Soon

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Is There Any Risk Involved With Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a popular teeth replacement option, but they are not without risks. While they are often seen as a better option than other tooth replacement options, such as dentures or bridges, it’s important to be aware of the implant risks involved before deciding.

In this blog post, we’ll look at some of the most common risk factors associated with dental implants and the operation itself and learn about what causes them. Keep reading to learn more.

What Are The Risks of Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a common dental procedure, but as with any surgery, there are certain risks involved. While mild swelling, bruising, minor bleeding, and slight pain may be felt, these could be resolved by over-the-counter pain medications and ice packs.

The most common risks associated with dental implants are as follows:

Infection

Surgery brings about a risk of complications such as infection, but it is particularly important to watch for signs of infection after dental implant surgery.

The mouth is full of bacteria, and when an implant is placed, there is a risk that bacteria will enter the bloodstream and cause a bacterial infection.

Signs of infection include fever, redness, swelling, extreme discomfort, and pain at the implant site. If you experience any of these symptoms, you must see your implant dentist immediately.

Nerve Damage

Nerve damage is another potential risk of dental implants. The nerves in your jaw can be damaged during surgery, leading to numbness or tingling in your teeth, gums, lips, or chin. In some cases, nerve damage can be permanent.

Sinus Problems

Another possible complication of dental implants is sinus problems. If the implants are placed too close to the sinus cavities, they can puncture the sinus membrane and cause sinus perforation leading to an infection. These infections can be very serious, so you must see your dentist if you have any pain or pressure in your sinuses after dental implant surgery.

Damage to Surrounding Teeth

Dental implants can also damage the adjacent teeth. If the implant is placed too close to a tooth, it can cause the tooth to crack or break. In some cases, the implant may need to be removed if it’s causing damage to the nearby teeth.

Rejection of the Implant

In rare cases, the body may reject a dental implant. This usually happens because the body perceives the implant as a foreign object. Symptoms of rejection may include pain, swelling, and inflammation at the implant site. If you experience any of these symptoms, you must see an experienced dentist immediately.

Implant Failure

Another risk is dental implant failure. Failure rates for dental implants are generally quite low, but they do occur. When an implant fails, it will need to be removed. The implant can sometimes be replaced, but this will require another surgery.

What Is The Failure Rate Of Dental Implants?

Dental implants are one of the most popular and effective dental surgery procedures. However, like all surgeries, there is a small chance that dental implants can fail.

The overall dental implant failure rate is about 5-10%. However, this number varies depending on the individual case. Several factors contribute to dental implant failures, such as bone loss and gum disease. However, dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance.

What Causes Dental Implant Infections?

Dental implants are made of strong and durable metal posts, usually a biocompatible material such as a titanium screw, designed to last a long time. Unfortunately, dental implants are also susceptible to infection. In fact, dental implant infections are one of the most common complications associated with this surgical procedure.

There are several potential causes of dental implant infections, including:

  • Poor dental hygiene:
    Dental implants require meticulous oral care to prevent infection. If you do not brush and floss your teeth regularly, plaque and bacteria can build up around the implant, increasing your risk of infection.

  • Damage to the gums:
    The gum tissue surrounding dental implants is very delicate. If it is damaged during the dental implant procedure, it can create an opening for bacteria to enter and cause an infection.

  • Smoking:
    Smoking decreases blood flow to the gums, which can delay healing and increase the risk of infection.

  • Preexisting conditions:
    Some medical conditions, such as diabetes, increase your risk of complications, including developing an infection after dental implant surgery.

If you think you may have an infection, it is important to see your dentist right away. With prompt treatment, dental implant infections can be successfully resolved with medication.

Are Dental Implants Safe?

Dental implant operations are considered a safe procedure and an effective option to replace missing teeth. Studies have shown that dental implants have a success rate of over 90-95%. Complications and side effects from dental implants are rare, and these can be resolved with treatment.

Final Thoughts

Dental implants are an effective tooth replacement option for many people, but they do come with a risk of complications. Make sure to consult with your dentist to see if dental implants are the best option for you.

If you decide to get dental implants, be sure to follow all of the instructions given to you by your dentist. This will help avoid potential complications and increase the chances of your dental implant being successful.

At Karrinyup Dental Centre, we want to ensure that our patients have all the information they need before making any decisions about their oral health care. We hope this article has been helpful and informative.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us at (08) 9341 6233. We would be happy to help you improve your quality of life in any way we can.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dental implants offer many benefits over other dental prosthetics, including greater stability, improved oral health, and a natural appearance. Let’s take a closer look at each of these benefits:

When it comes to dental implants, one of the most common questions is about cost. And for a good reason – dental implants can be a significant investment. So, how much do dental implants cost?

The cost of dental implants will differ depending on numerous factors, including the type of implants you choose, the number of implants you need, and the complexity of your case. That said, on average, dental implants can range in price from $ 3,500 – $ 5,500 per tooth.

Of course, dental insurance usually won’t cover the cost of dental implants. However, many dental implant providers offer financing options to help make dental implants more affordable. And if you’re considering dental implants, ask your provider about any discounts or promotions they may offer.

The dental implant is a titanium post placed into the jaw bone, and a dental prosthetic (usually a crown or bridge) is attached to the implant. They serve as replacement teeth.

While dental implants are usually successful, certain factors can affect the success of the dental implant procedure. As a result, it is important to determine whether or not you are a good candidate for dental implants before proceeding with the surgery.

There are several characteristics of a good candidate for dental implants.

  • Enough Bone Density:
    Your jaw must have the adequate bone density to support the implant. If you have been missing teeth for an extended period, you may have lost some bone mass in your jaw, making dental implants more difficult to place. Sometimes, a dental surgeon may need to perform a bone graft to stimulate new bone growth.

  • Healthy Gums:
    It is important to have healthy gums. Severe gum disease, or periodontal disease, can cause inflammation and tissue damage around the implant, leading to failure.

  • Good Oral Hygiene:
    It is important to be committed to proper oral hygiene. Dental implants require diligent brushing and flossing to stay clean and free of infection. Dental implants may not be right for you if you are not willing or able to maintain good oral hygiene.

  • In Good Overall Health:
    To have successful dental implants, you must be in good overall health. This means you do not have autoimmune diseases or uncontrolled chronic medical health conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease. These conditions can increase the risk of failure.

If you think you may be a good candidate for dental implants, talk to your dentist about whether or not the procedure is right for you.

The dental implant placement procedure typically involves four steps: initial consultation, implant placement, osseointegration, and placement of the artificial teeth or dental crown.

  • Initial Consultation
    The first step is to schedule a consultation with your dentist. During the consultation, your dentist will examine your mouth and take X-rays to determine your eligibility for dental implants.

  • Implant Placement
    When you are determined suitable for dental implants, the next step is to place the implant into the jaw bone. This will act as a replacement for the natural tooth roots and is done through a small incision in the gum tissue.

  • Osseointegration
    During this step, the dental implant will fuse to the jaw bone through osseointegration. This usually takes anywhere from four to six months.

  • Placement Of The Dental Crown
    After the dental implant has fused to the jaw bone and the healing process is completed, a small connector called an abutment would be placed on top of the implant. This is what will eventually support the dental crown.

    The dental crown is the last step in the dental implant process. The crown is made to match the colour and shape of your natural teeth. It will be placed on top of the abutment, giving you a natural-looking and feeling tooth.

    The dental crown functions and looks like a natural tooth. It is custom-made to match your existing teeth in shape, size, and colour. After placement of the prosthetic tooth, you can work toward your recovery plan.

Dr. Justin Soon

Author

Dr. Justin Soon

Dr. Justin completed his Bachelor of Dental Surgery at the University of Western Australia. Dr Justin completed his surgical implant training under the mentorship of Dr. Glen Liddelow, Dr. Graham Carmichael, and Dr. Brent Allan at the Branemark Centre.

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