What are the risks of dental implants?
When a tooth is too damaged to be replaced, your dentist may suggest a dental implant. This is a rather expensive solution, but it has many advantages: the implant is invisible, comfortable (because you don't feel it in your mouth) and long-lasting.
Nutrident informs you of the risks – minimal – that can make you run the installation of a dental implant. Indeed, if there is never a zero risk, the implant is a very safe technique and perfectly mastered by the dental surgeons. The success rate is 95%.
Contenus
Quick reminder
A dental implant consists of three parts.
- The titanium implant itself replaces the root of your tooth and is inserted into the jawbone.
- The abutment that attaches to the implant.
- The ceramic crown that is placed on the abutment.
Accidents during installation
In exceptional cases, the abutment attached to the implant may become detached or break. (The implant itself cannot break, as it is made of titanium). In this case, the dentist will have to perform a new installation. Nothing serious, just an extra appointment.
More rarely, the abutment breaks when the crown is placed. Here again, it is up to your dentist to repeat the session, which will not be at your expense.
During implant placement, small nerves may be damaged and lose feeling, but they will recover naturally. If a nerve becomes compressed, the area will become painful and your dentist will have to reposition the denture to free it.
The last accident during the installation can be due to the dentist who drills too far. The only risk in this case is to feel some postoperative pain due to a small edema. The dentist will prescribe painkillers that will make you wait a few days for your mouth to heal, but this does not affect the implant.
Post-operative risks
Once screwed into the jawbone, the implant must integrate, this is called osseointegration. It takes him several months to do this. The first risk is the proliferation of bacteria, which means that you must pay special attention to your oral hygiene after the operation.
There are exceptional cases of an implant that does not integrate into the bone. This may be due to a chronic disease, such as diabetes or osteoporosis. In this case, your dentist will remove the implant and suggest another solution.
You should also avoid chewing in the area of the implant, so as not to move it, or risk injuring your exposed gums.
It is normal that you feel a little sore when you return home. If your body is sensitive, you may experience redness and swelling in the area of the treated tooth. You may even have bruises on your face.
After a few days, if you are still experiencing pain or bleeding, you should see your dentist to check for inflammation and infection.
Fortunately, all of these complications are very rare.