As with any surgical intervention, dental implant surgery also carries some potential risks and complications for the patient or for the success of a dental implant. Therefore, in addition to careful planning of the entire procedure, it is important to ensure that the patient is sufficiently healthy to undergo oral surgery and to heal properly.
Careful planning of dental implant surgery, carried out by a specialist surgeon, can help you avoid these problems. Issues with bleeding, infections, allergies, existing medical conditions, and the patient's medications require careful analysis before commencing prosthetic work on dental implants.
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Did you know that the only clinic in Galati where dental implants are inserted by a surgeon is Clinica Chiromax?
Fortunately, the success rate is quite high, at over 95%, and failures usually occur in the unlikely event of an infection, fracture of the dental implant, overloading of the dental implant, damage to the surrounding area (nerves, blood vessels, teeth), poor positioning of the dental implant, or insufficient bone volume or poor bone quality.
Potential risks and problems of a dental implant
The problems that can arise are rare and, even if they do occur, they are usually minor and easily treated. Potential risks associated with dental implant surgery include:
- Infection at the implant site
- Lesions or damage to the structures surrounding the implant, such as other teeth or blood vessels
- Nerve damage, which can cause pain, numbness, or tingling in the teeth, gums, lips, or chin
- Sinus issues, when dental implants placed in the upper jaw extend into one of the sinus cavities
Another potential risk, less commonly encountered, is the development of a condition called peri-implantitis, considered the main cause of dental implant failure.
Peri-implantitis: what it is and how to avoid it
Peri-implantitis is characterised by inflammation of the gum and jawbone surrounding and supporting the implant, causing bone loss and, ultimately, the necessity of removing the dental implant. It is not yet very clear whether infection causes bone loss or if bone loss exposes it to bacteria. Inflammation of the surrounding tissues is often due to excessive forces from the bite on the implant or bacterial infection.
Peri-implantitis can lead to bone loss supporting the implant if left untreated. After dental implant placement, daily care and maintenance, as well as periodic medical check-ups at the dental practice, are essential to avoid this medical condition.
Other risk factors that can lead to the development of peri-implantitis include:
- Existing condition: periodontal disease or diabetes
- Long-term corticosteroid administration
- radiotherapy, chemotherapy
- nocturnal bruxism
- Smoking
Peri-implantitis is always preceded by a much milder condition, called Mucosity peri-implantitis, which is common and treatable. Early warning signs include inflammation, swollen gums and bleeding gums when brushing or touching. If left undetected and untreated in time, this condition can degenerate into peri-implantitis.
As bone loss is painless, dental implant patients do not realise they have this problem. Therefore, we repeat once more: careful oral hygiene and regular monitoring of dental implant treatments are essential. At the same time, we recommend periodic cleaning of the dental implant, once every 6 months.
For more information on dental implants, please read the articles on our blog. We look forward to seeing you at our practice at 2 Lupeni Street for a consultation and to assess a personalised treatment plan, outlining the best options for your oral health.
Links:
http://www.medicinenet.com/dental_implants/page5.htm
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/features/10964601/Peri-implantitis-The-time-bomb-in-dental-implants.html