Are you considering having dental implant surgery? As one of the most popular long-term solutions to replace missing teeth available on the market today, dental implants offer patients a variety of benefits, from improved day-to-day comfort and long-term durability.

But, just like any other surgical procedure, getting dental implants is not a risk-free solution. With this in mind, here is everything we want you to know about the most common complications of dental implants and what you can do to prevent them.

What are dental implants?

Before we jump in to discuss the most common issues associated with dental implants, let’s first learn a bit about their function.

Dental implants are a surgical option available for anyone looking for a long-term solution for replacing missing teeth. While there are a variety of different types of dental implants, most patients undergo two minor surgical procedures during the process — one to place the titanium implant into the jaw bone and a second to attach the connection abutment roughly six to twelve months after the first.

Once the patient has had adequate healing time from both procedures, a crown or bridge can be firmly attached to the implant, resulting in a permanent solution to missing teeth.

Common dental implant health issues

Despite the incredibly high success rate of dental implants, there is always a risk for potential complications. Some of the most common complications associated with dental implants include:

• Infection — Just like any other surgery, there is a risk for infection following a dental implant procedure. To reduce this risk, your dentist may infuse intravenous antibiotics during your surgery or prescribe oral antibiotics to be taken before and after the procedure.
• Excessive bleeding — Bleeding around the dental implant is a common occurrence for the first few days after the procedure and should not be a source of concern. But, if you have significant bleeding or take blood-thinning medications, be sure to contact your provider for additional support.
• Gum recession — Depending on the location of the dental implant, there may be a low level of gum tissue available to support the implant and crown. If the gum tissue recedes too far, inflammation and pain occur along the gum line near the implant site. Early assessment is essential to prevent further recession.
• Implant rejection — One of the most common questions we get from our patients is “can dental implants fail?”. And while this is not a common occurrence, the body can reject the implant and slowly push it out of the jawbone. Further discussion about your medical and dental history can help to better guide treatment options if this occurs to you.

How to avoid dental implant complications

While it is impossible to have no risk of complications after dental implant surgery, there are many steps a patient can take to reduce their risk of developing the most common issues. Some tips we advise our patients to follow before and after dental implant surgery include:

• Discuss your medical history with your provider
• Inform your team about all medications, vitamins, supplements and herbs that you take during your consultation appointment
• Follow all pre and post-op instructions
• Maintain good oral hygiene habits
• Schedule a follow-up appointment post-op
• Ensure you have an emergency contact in case complications arise
• Book your procedure with a qualified dental implant specialist

Get the best quality dental implants in Sydney

At Sydney Cosmetic Dentists, our team is committed to offering a comfortable and luxurious experience with every visit. Providing bespoke dental treatment options tailor-made to your specific needs, there is no better place to book a consultation appointment for dental implants.

For more information about our dental implant services, please feel free to contact us online or give us a call on +612 9052 6999. We look forward to helping you create your picture-perfect smile with quality dental care from Sydney Cosmetic Dentist!