While dentists are recommending dental implant supported tooth replacements more and more often, many patients are still worried about these treatments. Fortunately, dental implant placements are safe procedures with a success rate of 95% (or sometimes higher!). There are some complications that may occur during or after implant surgery, but for the most part, these complications can be avoided with careful planning.
With all of that in mind, here’s what you should know about four possible dental implant complications.
#1. Nerve Damage
Each tooth has nerves running through the roots and into the gums and bone tissue, connecting them to the rest of the body. When these nerves are damaged during treatment, the result can be serious. The implant placement will almost definitely fail, and you’ll likely feel pain, numbness, or tingling near the affected area.
To avoid this, most implant dentists nowadays use advanced treatment planning tools like 3D cone beam scanners, which help ensure the implant is precisely positioned.
#2. Damage to Other Oral Structures
Another complication that occurs due to lack of precision in the planning stages is damage to other oral structures. Improperly placed implants can shift surrounding teeth out of alignment or damage the root structures. Some patients have even experienced damage to the jawbone or gum tissue.
#3. Invasion of the Sinus Cavity
The bone in the upper jaw can be very thin due to the size and shape of the sinus cavity. Even if the implant is placed properly, it may break through the jawbone during osseointegration (fusion between the implant and jaw). If you have one or more implant posts placed in the top row of teeth, it’s important to monitor the healing process and let your dentist know right away if you think anything is not right.
#4. Infection at the Implant Site
Like with most procedures, there is a small risk of developing an infection after the placement of a dental implant. The best way to avoid infection is to carefully follow your post-op instructions, clean the treatment site, and contact your dentist right away if you notice swelling, inflammation, or fever.
Remember, while these complications are possible, they’re not likely, especially if you follow your implant dentist’s guidance and work with them to plan your treatment carefully. If you’re concerned about the risks of a dental implant placement, please don’t hesitate to talk to your dentist!
About the Author
Dr. Brett Noorda is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists – which basically means he’s completed advanced training in dental implant treatments. He and his team have years of experience placing dental implants and ensuring the patient’s safety through effective planning. If you’re worried about potential dental implant complications, call Dr. Noorda’s office at 702-456-7403. We’ll make sure you’re confident in your plan before proceeding with treatment!