5 risks after getting dental implant surgery

Broken or missing teeth can make day-to-day tasks like eating your favorite foods and public speaking a challenge. Dental implants in Greenville offer a reliable, long-lasting option to help restore your ability to chew and speak and repair the look of your smile. If you’re considering a dental implant operation to reconstruct your teeth, you may be curious about how the process works and the risks involved.

The dental implant process

How long do dental implants take? This varies depending on how many implants are being placed and the complexity of the procedure. The surgery can typically be finished in a single office visit that lasts between one and two hours. The reason the dental implant process takes several months is because of the time it takes to heal after the procedure before having a permanent prosthesis placed.

Here are the steps involved in a single tooth dental implant procedure:

1. Your prosthodontist will make a small incision and insert a titanium implant below the surface of the gums into the jawbone.
2. The titanium fuses with the bone during a process called osseointegration, which forms an artificial root system and a stable foundation for the new teeth.
3. Once the implant post is healed, the dentist will attach an abutment, which will connect a crown, or artificial tooth, to the implant.
4. Your dentist will place a custom-made crown that matches the color, size, and shape of your existing teeth onto the abutment.

What are the risks of dental implant surgery?

Dental implant surgery has become a common solution to replace missing or damaged teeth. There are different types of dental implants available, and your dentist can help you decide which option suits your dental goals.

As with any surgical procedure, there are potential complications of dental implant surgery. Before you proceed with the operation, familiarize yourself with some of the risks.

1. Implant failure

Dental implants have a high success rate. But, if a dental implant doesn’t heal properly or the titanium doesn’t fuse correctly with the jawbone, it can become unstable. If you notice that the implant has shifted or you feel pain when chewing or speaking at the implant site after the allotted recovery time, you may need to replace the dental implant. Fortunately, the dental implant replacement process is straightforward. Talk to your dentist about the options.

2. Infection

As with any open wound, bacteria that find their way into the implant site can lead to infections, like peri-implantitis, and cause tenderness, swelling, and pus. Follow your oral surgeon’s instructions to lessen your risk of infection and promote healthy implant healing. Practicing good oral hygiene habits can also minimize your risk of infection. Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste, floss, and rinse with antimicrobial mouthwash to remove food particles and bacteria.

3. Nerve and tissue damage

After dental implant surgery, the surrounding area may feel numb or tingly from the anesthesia, but normal sensation should return within a few days after the operation. If the numbness or tingling persists or if you feel pain in your face, chin, or lips, it could mean that the implant was improperly placed. Visit your dentist right away to address your concerns.

4. Swelling, pain, and minor bleeding

After dental implant surgery, side effects like redness, swelling, pain, and some bleeding are typical. A cold compress could minimize swelling and inflammation post-surgery, over-the-counter pain relievers may help to manage the discomfort, and gently applying gauze to the site can help curtail bleeding. If any of these symptoms persist for longer than a few days or the prescribed recovery period outlined by your dentist, give them a call.

5. Gum recession

Gum recession can sometimes occur after getting dental implants, leading to exposed roots as the gums pull away from the teeth. Discuss signs of gum recession with your dentist before the condition worsens to minimize your risk of infection and implant failure.

The bottom line

Dental implants are a reliable solution for replacing cracked or missing teeth, but the surgery isn’t without its risks. Understanding the potential complications and risks following your implant surgery can set you up for success in the days and weeks following the procedure. While some minor discomforts are common, more serious issues should be reported to your dental team immediately.

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