Overview of Dental Implants: Risks & Complications
Replacing missing teeth with dental implants is a popular solution for many people. It is important to be well-informed when considering any medical procedure. This article provides an overview of the complications and risks associated with dental implants, as well as how the procedure works.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are permanent replacements for teeth that have been lost due to periodontal disease, tooth decay, or trauma. They consist of metal posts surgically implanted into the jawbone and topped with a porcelain crown or bridge. The metal post acts as an anchor for the replacement tooth and helps to keep it in place.
Complications of Dental Implants
The most common complication of dental implants is infection at the implant site. This can occur from bacteria entering through the surgical wound or from poor oral hygiene practices after the procedure has been completed. Other potential complications include nerve damage, infection, and rejection. It is important to discuss these risks with your dentist before having any dental implant surgery so you can make an informed decision about whether it is right for you.
Risks Involved with Dental Implants
In addition to potential complications, there are also risks involved when having dental implants placed. These include pain during the healing process, swelling, bruising, bleeding at the implant site, and difficulty speaking or eating while your mouth is still healing from surgery. It is important to follow all instructions given by your dentist during this time in order to reduce your risk of experiencing any of these issues. Below are some of the risks associated with dental implants.
Infection Risk
One of the primary risks associated with dental implants is infection. Unsterilized instruments or improper technique can cause infections that can lead to serious health issues. Also, bacteria from your mouth can enter the surgical site and cause an infection. To reduce your risk of infection, make sure you work with a reputable dentist who prioritizes cleanliness and hygiene in their practice.
Rejection Risk
Another risk associated with dental implants is rejection. In certain cases, your body may reject the implant due to allergies or other medical conditions that interfere with healing or increase inflammation around the implant site. If your body does reject an implant, it will need to be removed and replaced with a new one that is more compatible with your body chemistry.
Damage to Nerves or Blood Vessels
When having dental implant surgery, there is also a risk of damaging nerves or blood vessels near the surgical site. This could result in numbness or tingling in nearby areas of your mouth such as your lips or tongue due to nerve damage. There is also a risk of excessive bleeding due to damage to nearby blood vessels which could require stitches or even further medical treatment if not taken care of promptly by a professional dentist.
Conclusion
Overall, while there are some potential risks and complications associated with dental implants, these risks can be minimized by working closely with a qualified dentist who understands all of the potential risks and takes steps such as sterilizing instruments properly and using proper techniques to reduce those risks as much as possible before performing any type of surgery on you. Educating yourself on these potential risks before committing to any kind of procedure and of course consulting your dentist will help ensure that you have all necessary information available so that you can make an informed decision about whether dental implants are right for you!
