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Dental implants risks and complications

Getting dental implants can be life changing. From rejuvenating your smile to regaining full mouth function, the benefits are many. But no dental procedure is without risk, and you should familiarize yourself with potential complications before moving forward.

Infection

There is typically a minor risk of infection at the time of surgery. Your dental professional may prescribe antibiotics either before or after a procedure.

Possible perforation

In an extremely rare number of cases, implant drills can penetrate unintended structures near the jaws, such as the nerves or sinuses. The likelihood of this happening greatly depends on the location of the implant. Any complications are generally minor.

Immediate stabilization

For the first few weeks you need to tread carefully with your new implant. During this time period, your implant is not completely stable and there is a risk of rejection due to mobility. Be sure to avoid tough foods and chew mindfully. After several weeks, your jawbone will regrow snuggly around the structure and the implant will be firmly in place.

Failure to integrate

Eight to 24 weeks after your procedure, your oral surgeon will schedule a checkup to confirm that the implant is stable. Occasionally, the jawbone will not grow around and “integrate” with the implant, leaving it vulnerable to mobility which could lead to loss of the implant. If you are pain free and have suffered no noticeable changes in your gum condition, your new implant is likely successfully integrating into your jaw bone.

Peri-implantitis and gingivitis

Peri-implantitis is an inflammatory infection that affects the hard and soft tissue around the integrated implant, and poses a threat to its long term stability. Recession of the gum tissue can expose the components of the implant leading to hygiene difficulty,  bone loss and eventual implant failure.