February 10, 2021
Having a tooth replaced with a dental implant can drastically improve your quality of life, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t complications that can arise from the procedure. Dental implants require a certain amount of care and attention, and when oral health is neglected, a number of problems can occur.
Fortunately, most of these problems are avoidable or can be taken care of with a simple fix. Here are some of the most common problems you might face with your dental implants and how to handle them if they happen.
As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection when dental implants are placed. Your dentist will likely instruct you to lightly rinse your mouth with saltwater in the days following the procedure in order to fend off potential bacteria. You’ll need to continue to maintain good oral hygiene after your procedure, as well. If these methods fail and infection does occur, you may simply be prescribed antibiotics or you may need to undergo a soft tissue or bone graft procedure.
Don’t worry, though. The rate of infections for dental implants is very low, and these kinds of infections are highly preventable.
The dental implant procedure requires the implant to fuse with your jaw in a process called osseointegration. After osseointegration has occurred, your dental implant will essentially be a part of your body. Occasionally, the process is unsuccessful and the implant will remain loose and unable to fuse with your jaw. If this occurs, you will have to have the implant removed and then wait until the area has healed to attempt the procedure again.
Sometimes the implant will seem to have fully healed and fused to the jawbone, only to become loose after enough pressure has been applied to it through repeated use. If this takes place, you will have to have the implant removed and then replaced once the gum tissue has healed.
In some instances, the recipient of a dental implant might find that their gum line begins receding following the procedure. This can occur for a number of reasons, including bad oral hygiene, smoking, or grinding your teeth, but it can also be the result of a poorly placed implant. If gum recession does occur, speak with your dentist to find a solution.
Another serious gum problem that can arise after dental implants have been placed is known as peri-implantitis, which causes bone loss around the area of the implant. When peri-implantitis occurs, the implant is most likely going to need to be removed and replaced after the area has healed.
All of the components of your dental implant will be made of strong and durable materials, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t still a chance of future breakdowns. The fixture, the abutment, and the crown itself can all wear down and break over the course of time. This is especially true if you grind your teeth. If this occurs, a simple replacement may be the solution, or another surgical procedure may be in order. Your dentist will assess the issue and determine the solution that is right for you.
If you have questions about dental implant surgery or have issues with your current dental implants,contact Pasadena Periodontics & Dental Implants
We’ll help you get the care you need!
