Cosmetic Dentistry Dental Implants

Dental Implants are one of the most popular tooth restoration procedures in Australia. They can be used to replace a single tooth, several natural teeth or all of the teeth. Dental implants have been around for many years. They are more effective than ever before because dental technology has improved so much. 

The number of people with dental implants is increasing rapidly as dentists recommend them highly because they provide natural-looking results that give patients a smile that will last their whole life. Patients who undergo this procedure find it rewarding because they feel confident in their appearance and enjoy eating again without feeling self-conscious.

If you are considering undergoing a dental implants procedure, you should know what you should expect from a dental implant procedure. Please know that it is not an option for everyone, so it’s crucial to ensure you understand the risks and benefits before proceeding with this procedure. 

This blog post will cover some common questions people have about dental implants and their risks, and what you can do to minimize them.

What Factors Affect the Success of Dental Implants

the right candidate for dental implants

Although a dental implant is a safer, more durable option than a denture or a bridge for replacing missing real teeth, its success is affected by numerous factors.

Gum Disease

Gum disease is a factor for any dental implant surgery. If you want to undergo this procedure, make sure your gum and bone tissue is healthy.

Research has shown that gum diseases can lead to bone deterioration and infection around the implant. If you have any signs of periodontal disease, see your dentist as soon as possible before receiving an implant for orthodontic treatment.

Smoking

Multiple research studies show that a non-smoker has a higher rate of success with implants than a smoker. Smoking can negatively affect the success rate of dental implants because it slows blood flow to your gums subsequently slows down healing time.

Smoking can have detrimental effects on a dental implant. Many studies show that smoking will increase the risk of complications, and in some cases, hinder the success rate for implants. It is crucial to stop smoking well before your appointment time as it takes at least one week for nicotine levels to drop low enough, while two months must pass until chewing or biting puts pressure on an implanted tooth again, so make sure you plan ahead!

Insufficient Jaw Bone

The intricate process of placing an artificial tooth root in your mouth is not as simple as one would think. You need to be healthy enough for the surgery and have a sufficient amount of bone to support it. Without adequate bone mass, the oral surgeon cannot place the implant into your jaw.

As we age, our bones become less firm and more susceptible to fractures. As bone density decreases, it becomes weaker and easier for us to snap them with the slightest pressure. Severe gum disease can also lead to weakening bone density in the mouth.

Medical Conditions

Dental implants are at risk for failing if you suffer from autoimmune diseases or conditions such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis. The prolonged healing of the jawbone can inhibit osseointegration, where your implant fuses to your bone.

In addition to several potential clinical reasons, several medications can lead to failure. So before receiving dental implants, you should confer with your oral surgeon if you’re taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

A research study conducted in 2016 revealed that heartburn medications might inhibit new bone growth, affecting how implants fuse with the jaw. In the same year, another group of researchers at the University at Buffalo reported a similar effect with people taking antidepressant medications.

Experience of The Surgeon

As with surgery in general, not all surgeons are created equal. It’s essential to choose the right dental surgeon if you need dental implants. Your dentist may refer you, but there is also an option of deciding who will do it for you. Be aware that inexperienced surgeons can cause implant failure, so make sure they’re qualified before deciding on this procedure.

Modern dentistry is a complex science. An experienced surgeon knows the balance of how many implants to use for tooth replacement. It is critical because too few implants can cause extreme stress on the implant and surrounding area, leading to failure.

In addition, a skilled surgeon can help avoid injury to the teeth and gums from procedures performed by the dentist. When picking a surgeon, look for those specialists who have many years of experience. They should discuss the process and recovery plan with you in person to make sure that your needs are met.


Learn More: Who Can Perform Dental Implant Procedures


Problems that Can Happen After the Procedure

risk of dental implants procedure

Early signs of complications include:

  • Pain that doesn’t go away by itself in five to seven days.
  • Swelling increases over time instead of going down as expected.
  • Infection around nearby teeth, which is not getting better with antibiotics alone.

After surgery, it is natural that you may experience pain or swelling. However, watch out for complications that may develop:

Infection at the site

One of the possible consequences after surgery is an infection. Patients who may have an autoimmune disease, smoke, or have poor oral hygiene are at increased risk of infection following surgery.

Insufficient bone support

Dental implants are only effective when they’re anchored into the dense jawbone. So if there’s not enough bone, the implant is also likely to fail regardless of how skilled the surgeon is.

Nerve or Tissue Damage

When considering how to implant an artificial tooth, the surgeon should avoid touching a nerve. Tissue or nerve damage may transpire if the implant is too close to the large, main nerve that runs through your jawline. The common symptoms include feeling numb or tingling in your lips, tongue, gums, or cheeks.


Learn More: Pros & Cons of Dental Implants


Common Signs of A Failed Dental Implant Surgery

how do dental implants work burwood dental care

Getting a dental implant is one of the most significant decisions in life. This decision requires careful consideration and evaluation due to its invasive nature, which can be very delicate if not handled by an experienced and trained dental professional.

The chance for failure during any part of this procedure increases when it’s not done correctly by an implant dentist because there are so many ways things could go wrong at each stage; from the initial stages following surgery up until eventual long-term complications years later. 

Here are the signs of dental implant failure you need to watch out for:

Difficulty chewing 

If you experience sensitivity when biting, it may indicate an infection, malpositioning of the implant, or it has not undergone successful bonding with your jaw and gum tissue

Gum inflammation

Peri-implantitis is a severe condition that could lead to the complete loss of an otherwise functional dental implant. The signs are bleeding, swelling, and pus formation in more severe cases; bone loss may occur if not addressed timely as well. Prior aggressive periodontal disease can heighten one’s susceptibility to this bacterial infection, requiring prompt attention due to the rapid progression of symptoms.

Gum recession 

A poor-fitting dental implant will likely lead to gum recession, which is an often irreversible problem. Poor positioning of the implants can put undue stress on your gums and bone tissue that should be holding up this critical piece of hardware in place.

One of the first warning signs that your implant has failed is an abnormally long crown. After which you would experience painful inflammation around the surrounding tissue

To avoid this, your surgeon should ensure the implant is positioned correctly. That angulation is executed using digital dental implant diagnostics.

Increased swelling

Minor swelling is expected for a procedure like this, but it could be an issue if it persists and is even inflamed.

If you notice that your gums are unusually swollen and red, this could be an indication of an infection. It is dangerous as the disease could spread to other areas of your mouth. In extreme cases, it’s possible even to infect your blood. It is a severe health condition when left untreated.

Loosening of an implant or a replaced tooth

If everything goes well, you will not be aware that you have had a dental implant. It should feel natural in your mouth.

One sign that an implant may be failing is if you feel it wiggle when you speak, eat, or touch it. Inspect your replacement tooth implant for cracks and loose attachments. If it seems like they’re displaced, make an appointment to speak with a dentist as soon as possible.

If you neglect an ill-fitting implant, it has the potential to ruin your smile or cause damage to the surrounding gums and jawbone.

Severe Pain or Discomfort

When undergoing dental implant surgery, it is common to experience a feeling of pain. However, this may also be a sign that your implants are not performing as expected.

In the first few days of your healing process, you will experience pain. This kind of pain can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication prescribed by your doctor.

In the event of an implant failure, you would feel excruciating pain. Such a failure can leave you in instant agony that lasts for days, only exacerbated by the throbbing waves of discomfort. If you experience this, it’s best to see your dentist.

Are Dental Implants Worth It?

which is the right dental treatment for me peel dental studio

An individual in need of dental implants should consider the financial implications and how long they are expected to last. While many patients may not be aware of all the necessary expenses involved with replacing teeth, it’s important to understand and plan for potential costs associated with the dental procedure. 

Implant placement is much stronger than dentures, so they don’t cause sores in the mouth like dentures would tend to. Implants also improve speech because you can articulate words correctly compared to wearing a traditional denture when you talk.

Unlike conventional teeth replacements that need to be replaced every few years, dental implants can hold up for life. Not only do these devices allow you the freedom of eating whatever food your heart desires without worry about them falling out at any time or might put them out of alignment.

In addition, permanent implants maintain the bone surrounding teeth and restore the original aesthetics of one’s mouth. Therefore, dental implants are a worthwhile investment because the total expense will last for your lifetime.


Learn More: Are Dental Implants Right for Me?


Final Thoughts

Dental implants are a revolutionary new way to replace missing teeth. The procedure has undergone significant improvements over the years. But as with any surgical procedure, there is always a risk of complications or adverse outcomes. You can help ensure that your dental implant treatment experience will be successful by being aware of these risk factors before you have surgery. 

If you would like more information about what might happen during this process or if you want someone to talk through your fears, we’re happy to answer all your questions at Burwood Dental Care. Would you please not hesitate to contact us at Burwood Dental Care on 03 7034 0333? Our expert team will be happy to answer your queries in a friendly manner.

We look forward to hearing from you soon!