After getting dental implants, patients may experience problems such as pain, swelling, infection, and difficulty eating or speaking. These issues can be frustrating and even alarming, but with they can usually be resolved with proper care and attention. Let’s check out some common problems after dental implant surgery and tips for managing them.
Common Problems After Dental Implants
Although it may be rare, sometimes dental implants fail. There are several reasons for this failure, which we will mention later. But first, check out the following list of problems after dental implants. There are some complications that you should be aware of.
1. Infection
One of the most common dental implant complications is infection. Since a dental implant is a major dental procedure, it is typical that the implant area becomes inflamed. However, in most cases, infection is avoidable by following the post-op instructions, such as maintaining oral hygiene or avoiding smoking the days after the surgery.
You should note that infection may lead to peri implantitis, which is one of the gum problems after a dental implant. This problem happens when bacteria infect the implant tissue. The main reason is poor oral hygiene or smoking. Peri-implantitis can lead to implant failure. That’s why following a healthy lifestyle after a dental implant is essential.
2. Bleeding
The other problem patients may face after dental implants is bleeding. Although bleeding is common after dental surgery due to the incision and stitches, it shouldn’t be chronic or happen so often. Bleeding is one of the complications after dental implants that may cause different problems in the body, such as anemia or stomachache.
It is recommended to visit your dentist if your implant site is bleeding abnormally.
3. Loose Implant
It takes several months for the implant to fuse with the jawbone. But it doesn’t always go right. Some people may encounter loose implants after a few months, which usually happens due to the implant and bone not being able to join together. In this case, the surgeon might need to remove the implants and redo the procedure after the area has healed.
4. Nerve or Tissue Damage
There is no doubt that dental implants are a challenging procedure. It requires the surgeon to drill the jawbone to place the implant. Therefore, it is common for the nerve or gum tissue to get damaged. The signs of this problem are numbness, pain, or tingling.
It is necessary to visit your dentist if you feel any of the mentioned signs of nerve damage because it’s a critical problem that must be solved to prevent other damage.
5. Insufficient Bone Support
A successful dental implant requires a healthy bone because the implant is going to be placed inside the jaw bone. The implant will fail if the patient has bone loss or other related problems. However, since many tests and medical exams are done before the surgery, the health level of the bone is measured.
Therefore, if there is any problem with the bone, the dentist will recommend a dental bone graft before a dental implant.
6. Sinus Problems After Dental Implants
One of the problems that may occur after dental implants on the upper jawbone is sinus problems, which may lead to sinus infection or inflammation. Although it is uncommon, the patient may have problems breathing due to a blocked nose or a fever. The other signs that show sinus problems have happened after dental implants are:
- Headache,
- Toothache,
- Bad Breath,
- Yellow or green nasal mucus,
- Swelling in cheeks.
Although sinus problems may be short-term issues, it is recommended to visit your dentist or healthcare provider for further check-ups to avoid chronic damage to the sinus or implants.
7. Allergic Reaction
The patient might have allergies to medications or implant material. Since titanium implants are more common than other type, the metal allergy is more common. Allergic reactions to implant material may lead to implant failure.
Inflammation, swelling, bad taste, and tingling are among the signs that indicate you may have an allergic reaction to the implant. In this case, the implant should be removed and replaced with another material.
How to Prevent Problems After Dental Implants?
To prevent problems after dental implants, follow these guidelines:
- Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss your teeth and dental implants regularly to prevent plaque buildup and potential infections.
- Rinse Regularly: Use an antimicrobial mouthwash to help reduce bacteria and maintain oral health.
- Avoid Smoking: The risk of problems after dental implants can be increased by smoking. It’s best to quit smoking or avoid it during the healing process.
- Dietary Considerations: After surgery, follow specific nutritional guidelines recommended by your dentist to promote healing. Avoid hard, sticky, or scorching foods in the early stages of recovery.
- Regular Check-ups: Schedule regular follow-up appointments with your dentist to ensure the implants heal correctly and address any concerns promptly.
- Listen to Your Dentist: Follow your dentist’s post-operative care instructions diligently to minimize the risk of complications.
Bottom Line
While dental implants are a highly successful and popular option for replacing missing teeth, they do come with potential complications. It is important for patients to be aware of these issues and to seek prompt treatment if they experience any discomfort or problems after dental implants. By following the advice of their dental care team and taking good care of their implants, patients can enjoy the benefits of a healthy, functional smile for many years to come.