Dental implants are a permanent option for people who are missing all or some of their teeth, and are a much better alternative to removable dentures or dental bridges. Dental implants consist of metal posts, like screws, that are anchored into the jawbone. Artificial teeth are then screwed onto the metal posts, creating teeth that look and function like natural teeth.
However, dental implant surgery is still surgery and, like any other kind of surgery, complications do sometimes occur.
Why Some Dental Implants Fail
Please keep in mind that that our periodontist will ensure you are a candidate for successful dental implants. The vast majority of implant failures are due to to oversight in ensuring successful candidacy. Issue that may arise include:
- Allergic Reaction – Most dental implants are made of titanium alloy. This titanium alloy material can sometimes contain traces of nickel. Please let us know of any allergies you’re aware of before surgery and let us know if you’re feeling itchy, exhausted, or anything else out of the ordinary.
- Nerve & Tissue Damage – If your dental implant is incorrectly placed too close to a nerve, there may be tingling or numbness in the tongue, lips, cheek, chin, or gum tissue. Make sure you keep an eye out for pain, excessing bleeding, or tingling and numbing sensations in the days and weeks after surgery.
- Failed Osseointegration – In this case, the implant has failed to fuse with the jawbone properly, causing the implants to become loose or even to fall out. This failure to fuse can be caused by an external force, incorrect positioning, or insufficient bone density in the jaw.
- Peri-Implantitis – Lastly, peri-implantitis is an infection that can occur if bacteria are allowed into the body during or after surgery. This can also be the outcome of failing to properly care for your wound once you’re home from surgery. If not quickly and properly treated, this infection can cause the failure of your implants and even the loss of bone.
Once again, please keep in mind that these problems are quite rare. Our periodontist ensures your dental implants will be successful and that you are a right candidate for dental implants. If you have additional questions about dental implant surgery, please contact Littleton Implants & Periodontics here in Littleton, Colorado.