Undergoing dental implant surgery is a transformative step toward restoring the aesthetics and functionality of your teeth.
However, patients must be fully prepared for a range of potential side effects. Awareness and understanding of these side effects are essential to setting realistic expectations and facilitating a smoother recovery.
Discover the side effects of dental implants, from infection to implant failure. Learn who should not get implants, as well as treatment options with MedConsulto.
Common Side Effects of Dental Implants
Under the care of a skilled oral surgeon, dental implant surgery should be a safe procedure with few complications. However, Side Effects of Dental Implants are a normal response to the changes that occur during surgery.
Fortunately, these side effects are only temporary and usually not very severe. It is a good idea for patients to be aware of these side effects:
Infection
Infections may occur after implant surgery, characterized by increased pain, swelling, redness, or discharge from the implant site. Antibiotic treatment is often effective for infections, but early detection is critical to prevent implant failure.
Adherence to proper post-operative care instructions, including oral hygiene and follow-up appointments, is also critical to early detection and careful management of infections.
Nerve Damage
Dental implant surgery can cause nerve damage. Your dentist will take x-rays before the procedure to identify the nerves in your mouth. Nerve damage can have permanent effects, so you should discuss the risks with your dentist before the procedure.
Bleeding
Although bleeding is not usually a problem after dental implant treatment, it is common for patients to notice some bleeding at the implant site. This bleeding is usually minimal and does not last more than a day or two.
Loose Implant
Your dentist may make a mistake when placing your implant. If there is a problem with the location or angle of the implant, it can lead to complications.
The implant may not bond to the bone properly, it may be too close to neighboring teeth to cause discomfort, or it may become loose or painful. If this happens to you, you may need to have the implant removed or replaced with a new one.
Serious Complications to Consider
Sinus Problems
One of the main risks of dental implants is damage to the sinuses. The upper jaw is located directly under the sinuses.
Implants that replace the upper teeth can potentially penetrate the sinuses, causing discomfort or possible infection. If this happens, your dentist will tell you what you can do to manage the situation.
Peri-Implantitis
This is a disease that can affect the gums and surrounding bone, increasing the risk of dental implants not being successful.
Over time, peri-implantitis can lead to bone loss and implant disintegration. Your chances of developing peri-implantitis will be reduced if you do not smoke, live a healthy lifestyle, and maintain good hygiene.
Implant Failure
Dental implant surgery is known for its extremely high success rate, with studies showing a success rate of 98.6%. However, like any other surgical procedure, there may be a small chance of implant rejection or failure. Signs of implant failure include:
- Implant looseness: If the implant feels unstable or has moved out of place, it may not have properly integrated with the jawbone.
- Persistent pain and discomfort: Pain that does not subside over time or gets worse can indicate implant failure.
- Persistent swelling and redness: Swelling around the implant site after the healing period may indicate a problem.
- Gum recession: If your gums begin to recede and expose the implant, this may be a sign of rejection.
Other Possible Side Effects
Pain
While post-operative pain is expected and usually resolves with acute pain relief measures, prolonged pain weeks after surgery warrants a visit to the doctor to rule out complications such as incorrect implant placement or infection.
Swollen Gums
Swelling that persists beyond the first few days after surgery is part of the normal healing process. It can indicate the body’s efforts to integrate the implant. However, if swelling persists for several weeks after surgery, it may require further attention, as this could be a sign of infection.
Gingival Recession
The gingival surrounding the implant site may become sensitive as it heals, which is normal. However, significant gum recession around the implant can affect the aesthetic result and may expose the implant structure, leading to complications. Therefore, your dentist may suggest interventions to support gum health.
Allergic Reaction
Although rare, some patients may experience allergic reactions to the materials used in the implant, such as titanium alloys. Symptoms can include itching, rash, or swelling around the titanium implant site. Therefore, it is important to contact your dental professional immediately.
Who Shouldn’t Get Dental Implants?
- Uncontrolled Diabetes: The main reason for this is that if your bone and body don’t heal properly, the bone in your body won’t form properly around the implant, and we’re setting ourselves up for failure.
- Poor oral health: Someone who does not brush their teeth regularly and allows their teeth and gums to decay without any action is not an ideal candidate.
- Bad habits: Some dentists determine that if you smoke or chew, you are not an ideal candidate for dental implants. The reason is that bad habits like these often directly affect oral health and hygiene as well.
Dental Implants with MedConsulto
Dental implants provide a secure foundation for a full range of dental restorations. They are the ideal solution for patients who have lost one or more teeth. To learn more about these beneficial implants and the treatment process, contact us as soon as possible.
