Dental implants represent the most solid replacements for missing teeth, but sometimes complications may occur.
It is true, risks and complications with dental implants happen extremely rarely, but still, you need to learn about these if you are getting ready to receive dental implants.
The success of the dental implants treatment highly depends on the skills and training of the dentist, on the technique used to fit the implants, and of course on the general health status of the patient. Sometimes, however, the dental implants can be simply rejected by your system, and then you may not even be able to become a good candidate for dental implants.
Risks and Complications
Some of the most common types of risks and complications associated with dental implants include:
- The area around the implants may become inflamed, irritated, or infected
- It may happen that the dental implant will not fuse well with the bone. This means that the implant remains loose, and the treatment is not successful
- Today’s dental implants are designed to be extra durable, but even like this very rarely gradual bone loss can occur. Over time, the implant becomes loose, and then the dental implant will not fit steadily
- Fractures may also occur extremely rarely. You need to understand that thanks to today’s technology, the occurrence of all these types of risks and complications is very small
- In case the dental implant is placed extremely close to the main nerve in the lower jaw, nerve damage can occur. This is why it is very important to choose a very highly trained, skilled, and experienced dental professional when you need to get dental implants
The longevity and durability of dental implants heavily rely on whether you can find a good restorative/cosmetic dentist or not.
According to statistics, dental implants have a success rate of about 98.7%. If the dental implant treatment is done the right way, you will enjoy strong, beautiful, and ultra-functional teeth for a lifetime.
The older dental implant designs are the most problematic. For example, there are many cases in which the screws became loose or broke inside the implant. Then, there have also been a few cases where the crown part of the implant made of porcelain has broken, and then restorations were needed.
The greatest majority of dentists agree that if the dental implant is placed through the correct technique into naturally dense bone, there should be no reason for you to worry. Also, a very good specialist will notice immediately if there is not enough jaw bone density available and then advise bone grafting.
There have been some cases in which the dentist failed to check on the X-ray whether the patient has got indeed enough bone density. He placed the implants, and after a short time period time, these became loose.
It is not worth going through all the lengthy and complex treatment done wrong, only for the sake of saving a few dollars. Choose the right specialist to get the highest quality dental treatment- it is your health you are investing in.
Success Rates and Risks of Dental Implant Treatment
Dental implant treatment is credited with a high rate of success and is very popular because of its minimal side effects. Dental implants are made of titanium alloy, which is easily accepted by the body and is not associated with any kind of harmful reaction.
Successful dental implants can last for decades or even a lifetime. When implants are fixed to natural bone, the success rate is higher i.e. around 95% compared to patients who have had bone grafts, where the success rate is reported as 85 or 90%.
The success rate also depends on the area of the jaw where the procedure is carried out – the front part of the lower jaw has a success rate of 98%, with slightly lower rates for the other parts of the mouth.
Studies report 90 to 95% success rates for the front part of the upper jaw; the lowest success rates – 85 to 95% are for the back part of the mouth, both in the upper and lower jaw.
Complications Associated with Dental Implants
- Just as in any other type of surgery, patients may experience general complications such as an adverse reaction to the anesthesia, bleeding or infection.
- Soreness and inflammation might occur in the treatment site, which can be treated with Paracetamol, ibuprofen or other over-the-counter painkillers.
- There are many important nerves in the front part of the jaw and these shouldn’t be affected when the implants are inserted. Any interference with these nerves might result in complications such as tingling and numbness in the face. However, the possibility for this is minimized since the dentist usually utilizes multiple X-rays, or a CT scan to identify the actual positions of the nerves.
Any complications associated with dental implant treatment depend on the specific type of implant treatment, the patient’s general lifestyle, and general health.
Implant Longevity
Dental implants have a success rate of ninety-five percent and these are long-lasting and fully functional in patients who follow a healthy lifestyle. Smokers and drinkers are at an increased risk of dental implant failure.
Good oral hygiene is inevitable if the implants are to last for many years. The patients have to follow all the instructions provided by the dentist and take proper care of their implants. In addition, regular visits to the dentist will also ensure that the implant crowns are securely in position and fully functional.
Find an Experienced Dental Surgeon
It is best to have the dental implant procedure done by an experienced dental surgeon providing services at a reputable dental clinic, preferably one that is recommended by former patients.
A good dental surgeon will be sensitive to the patients’ requirements and provide a dedicated service. He/she will also provide all details about the procedure, the success rate, and risks involved so that the patients can decide whether they want to go ahead with the dental implant procedure.
Dental implants integrate with the bone easily, giving the patient the advantage of strong replacement teeth.
Dental implants have a very high success rate, though mild complications might occur depending on the patient’s health, the area of the jaw where the implants are placed and other health-related factors. However, any flaw can be addressed effectively by an experienced dental surgeon and the patients can benefit from more positive outcomes.