If you’ve visited our blog before, you have read about the benefits of tooth implants. That’s because they are an amazing replacement for missing teeth and have been used successfully in the Waco area for over 30 years. At Steven T. Cutbirth DDS, close to 98% of our implant placements are successful. But like any medical or dental procedure, there are risks. In today’s post, we will discuss the possible complications of a dental implant.
Infection
Any surgical procedure poses an infection risk. That’s why we often prescribe an antibiotic before implant surgery.
How to protect against infection:
Beginning the second-day post-surgery, a tooth implant patient should rinse with a salt water solution. This helps prevent infection while the implant site is healing. The patient should continue normal daily dental hygiene and start brushing and flossing the implant as soon as their dentist recommends. If an infection develops weeks after the surgery, another course of antibiotics usually takes care of it.
Slow healing
A patient is more likely to experience slow healing if they have another medical condition. Possible conditions include severe gum disease, diabetes, cancer, alcoholism, or poor circulation due to smoking. Dr. Cutbirth takes preexisting conditions into account when advising potential implant recipients.
Sinus problems
Upper implants are placed very close to the floor of the sinus. Because of the physical proximity, an implant can pierce the floor of the sinus cavity. This is so rare, most implant dentists have never had a tooth implant patient experience it. One such case was documented by the International Journal of Implant Dentistry. An implant recipient experienced obstructed nasal airflow. It was discovered that the implant had broken through the nasal floor. The tooth implant patient underwent surgery to repair it. The surgery was successful and the patient was able to retain the implant.
Implant failure
If an implant fails to fuse with the surrounding bone, it is usually due to insufficient blood supply. Teeth grinding, smoking, and the medical conditions discussed previously can impair blood circulation.
Nerve damage
Nerve damage transpires in a very small percentage of implant procedures. Patients may have pain, tingling, or numbness at the implant site.
Let’s discuss your concerns
Are you considering but worried about the risks? We invite you to set up a consultation to discuss your concerns.
Contact Steven T. Cutbirth DDS:
254-772-5420
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
1613 Lake Success Dr
Waco, Texas
76710