Possible complications of dental implants

After the initial healing period after the dental implant abutment is placed, the patient’s discomfort and pain are greatly reduced. You should almost forget that the dental implant is in your jawbone and is there most of the time. If you experience dental implant pain years later, it is not a good sign and needs to be investigated and taken care of. In this article, we will explain the possible complications of dental implant placement after a short period so that you do not worry and become anxious.

Dental implants are not like regular teeth because, like regular teeth, they do not have nerves inside them and therefore cannot lead to pain, decay, etc. and usually the pain associated with dental implants must have another cause.

Possible Complications of Dental Implants

Early implant-related complications are usually symptoms that occur in the first three to four months after surgery. Keep in mind that dental implants take at least several months to fully fuse with the bone, but you should generally not feel any dental implant-related pain after the first two weeks of healing.

Any sudden return of pain in the first few months after surgery could indicate complications from improper placement. Here are some of the things that can lead to complications and failure of a dental implant:

• Infection

Infection at the implant site is one of the most common symptoms in the early stages of implant placement, which can cause pain in the area of ​​the dental implant. In order to prevent infection, it is very important to follow all of your dentist’s instructions for post-operative care.

Several factors can increase the risk of infection, including smoking, poor oral hygiene, and so on. To reduce the risk of complications from infection, you should quit smoking and always maintain good oral hygiene.

• Lack of bone support

In some cases, the patient may not have enough bone to support the dental implant. This prevents the implant from bonding to the jawbone and leads to failure of the implant procedure. Also, if the dental surgeon tries to complete the entire dental implant procedure in one session, installing both the implants and the permanent crown, and the patient does not have enough bone density to bear the load at once, the procedure may be unsuccessful.

• Allergic reaction

Most dental implants are made of titanium alloy, which can cause an allergic reaction in some people. An allergic reaction usually causes a tingling or burning sensation at the implant site. If you know you are allergic to titanium, it is best to discuss this with your dentist in advance so that he or she can install an implant made of a different material for you.

• Risk Factors for Dental Implant Failure

Late dental implant failure can occur years later, even after the initial successful placement of a dental implant. Risk factors for late failure can be caused by a patient’s weakened immune system, habits, or medical conditions. Many of these risks can be prevented, which increases the likelihood of long-term implant success.

• Smoking

This is one of the avoidable risk factors for long-term dental implant failure. Smokers who get dental implants are more likely to experience complications over the years. If you are a smoker, you should discuss your habits with your dentist before getting dental implants and work on your overall dental health.

• Poor oral hygiene

It is important to maintain good oral hygiene to ensure the success of your dental implants. This means brushing and flossing at least twice a day, using mouthwash to remove bacteria, and attending regular checkups with your dentist. This will greatly help the health of your teeth, gums, and implants.

• Teeth grinding

Teeth grinding, especially when it happens at night while people are sleeping, can put a lot of pressure on and damage dental implants. It is usually caused by factors such as stress or misaligned teeth. If you know you have a habit of grinding your teeth, talk to your dentist about ways to treat it to prevent damage to your dental implants.

• Chewing with implants

If a dental implant does not fit properly in the space where your missing tooth is, it can cause pain in the bone around the dental implant. When you bite down on your implant, the extra force on your dental implant causes the implant to push against the bone, which causes discomfort. This discomfort usually occurs during or after chewing.

If this is causing damage to your dental implant, you can fix the problem by replacing the crown on top of the implant. Replacing it with another option that fits better in your jawbone will help relieve your discomfort.

How long do dental implants hurt after surgery?

After you leave the dentist’s office on the day of surgery, you can expect to experience some discomfort and tenderness in the area of ​​the surgical site. In most cases, your dentist will recommend taking over-the-counter ibuprofen to help with the pain, as it is usually quite effective without the need for prescription medication.

In addition to mild painkillers, you should avoid eating hard foods for at least a few days to a week after receiving the implant. Mild swelling of the cheeks, chin, or under the eyes also occurs in some patients and can be minimized by using an ice pack. Most of the swelling and discomfort usually subsides after the first few days and is completely gone after two weeks. If you have had pain for more than two weeks, you should contact your dentist in Richmond Hill immediately to make sure there are no complications.