While the track record of successful dental implant surgery is impressive, as with any surgical procedure there are factors that can cause complications or even total failure of the treatment. The following are a few possible complications associated with dental implant surgery:
Infection at the implant site can set in when bacteria is present during surgery or when the site is not cared for properly post-surgery. This form of inflammation of the bone and gum, or peri-implantitis, can cause bone loss and implant failure.
Nerve damage caused by the implant being placed too close to the nerve can cause pain, numbness, or tingling in your teeth, gums or mouth.
Sinus problems caused from implants placed in the upper jaw protruding into one of the sinus cavities may cause the area to become infected or inflamed.
Loose implants or an implant that falls out are caused by failure of the jawbone to fuse together properly with the implant. This failure to fuse can be caused by incorrect positioning, insufficient bone density, overloading, damage to surrounding tissues, external force or sudden impact, and fractured implants.
While quite rare, some patients can have an allergic reaction to the traces of titanium alloy in some implants.
The majority of problems with dental implants are minor and easily resolved if treated promptly. If you experience any complications with your implant surgery, contact your dentist or oral surgeon as soon as possible. A fast response allows your dental professional to take corrective action before the implant is threatened by more serious problems.
One of the best ways to improve the chance of dental implant success is to find an experienced dentist to plan your treatment schedule carefully. With proper care, and when performed by a qualified professional, more than 95% of dental implant surgeries are completed without incident.
