Implants Problems and Complications

Problems and complications can occur from dental implant surgery shortly after the procedure or years later. Usually, an early dental failure will occur within the first 3 to 4 months after the procedure. It is typical to experience a certain level of pain and discomfort that can be stabilizing by prescription or over the counter pain medication. It is important to monitor your pain if you notice that you are not healing well. You must let your dental surgeon know if the pain does not improve after 5 to 7 days. Keep in mind that it takes between 3 to 6 months to heal completely.

Here are some complications that may develop during the pain and swelling after surgery:

• Infection at the implant site can develop during or after the surgery. There are risk factors if you have an underlying medical condition, an autoimmune disease, smoking or tobacco user, or a compromised bad oral hygiene.
• Implant micro-movement can highly occur when the dental implant lacks stability after the implant is placed. Most people are not aware that an artificial tooth is not attached to the implant until the jaw bone successfully integrates with the implant.
• Insufficient bone support is signs of an early stage of implant failure because the implant cannot fuse with the jaw.
• An allergic reaction can happen when you are allergic to titanium alloy in some dental implants. The allergic symptom includes swelling, loss of taste, and numbing/tingling sensation. If you have any allergy reactions, please mention to your oral surgeon to be aware because you may need an implant containing different materials.
• Failure to follow your doctor’s instructions or after homecare can impact the healing process. It is essential to follow the post-surgery instructions to lower any risk of complications.
  However, in late dental implant failures:
• Nerves or tissue damages may occur when the implant is too close to the nerve. The signs of damage can cause numbness and tingling sensation to the lips, tongue, gums, or face.
• The body rejects the implant and will not heal. Signs of rejections include increase pain, swelling, fever, and chills.
• Any dental implants that are placed in the upper jaws may affect the sinus cavity.
• Implants may not retain to the site fails.
• Signs of dental implant failures include difficulty chewing, inflammation, swelling, gum recession, severe pain/discomfort, and loosening implants.

To minimize any progression of long-term problems, it is best to practice a good oral hygiene routine to keep your oral health pristine and healthy at all times.