Imagine transforming your smile with dental implants, only to find yourself facing unexpected challenges along the way. While dental implants can be a life-changing solution for tooth loss, it’s essential to understand that, like any surgical procedure, they come with potential side effects.
Navigating the journey requires awareness of the risks involved and knowing what are the side effects of dental implants.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the potential side effects of dental implants so you can know what to expect before undergoing this treatment.
How do Dental Implants Work?
Dental implants are a highly effective solution for replacing lost or damaged adult teeth. The process involves your dentist inserting a metal post into the bone of your jaw where a tooth is missing. An artificial tooth is then placed on top of the post, creating a natural-looking smile. Implants are robust enough to handle regular chewing.
When functioning properly, dental implants offer advantages over dentures or bridges. They tend to be stronger and more comfortable than removable teeth. However, the process of getting dental implants may require several procedures and comes with a risk of potential complications.
How a Dental Implant Surgery is Performed
Tooth Extraction: If you have a damaged tooth, your dentist will first need to remove it. After the extraction, you'll need some time to heal before proceeding to the next stage of the process.
Jaw Preparation: Once you've healed from the extraction, your dentist will evaluate the strength of your jawbone. This is to ensure that it can support an implant. If necessary, you might need a bone graft to enhance bone density and encourage new growth. If a graft is required, there will be a waiting period before proceeding to the next step.
Implant Placement: This step involves a surgical procedure where your dentist will make an incision in your gums to expose your jawbone. They will then drill into the bone and place the metal base of the implant. After the placement, you’ll need to wait several months for the bone to grow around the implant, securing it in place.
Abutment Placement: Once the implant has integrated with your jawbone, your dentist will attach an abutment that sits above your gum line. This involves making another incision in your gums to reveal the implant base and attaching a short metal rod. In some cases, the abutment may be placed at the same time as the implant. This rod will eventually support your artificial tooth.
Artificial Tooth Placement: Your dentist will take impressions to create a crown that matches your natural teeth. Once the crown is ready, it will be attached securely to the abutment, completing your smile restoration.
What are the Side Effects of Dental Implants?
Infection
Dental implants require surgery, and like any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection. While following proper pre-and post-operative care can significantly reduce this risk, it’s important to remain vigilant.
Symptoms of infection may include:
Redness or swelling around the implant site.
Tenderness when biting down.
Fever.
Ongoing pain that lasts beyond a few days.
If you notice any of these signs after your dental implant surgery, it’s crucial to reach out to your dentist immediately to address the issue before it escalates.
Nerve Damage
During the surgical procedure, there is a chance that the implant may come into contact with a nerve, potentially leading to temporary or permanent numbness in the area surrounding the implant. If you notice any numbness after receiving your dental implants, inform your dentist right away so they can monitor the situation for any potential issues.
Implant Failure
Though rare, an implant might fail to properly integrate with the bone, resulting in it becoming loose or even falling out. This often occurs due to insufficient bone structure or incorrect placement by the surgeon.
Sinus Damage
One significant risk associated with dental implants is sinus damage. Since your upper jaw is located just beneath your nasal sinuses, implants intended to replace your upper teeth could inadvertently penetrate into the sinus cavity, resulting in discomfort or even infection.
Damage from Excessive Force
Just like your natural teeth, a dental implant can crack or loosen due to excessive force or impact.
Many individuals may unknowingly apply excessive pressure to their dental implants. For instance, some people grind their teeth, a condition known as bruxism, during sleep. Those who are susceptible to this habit might need to wear a mouthguard to protect both their implants and natural teeth from potential damage.
How to Avoid the Side Effects of Dental Implants
Choose an Experienced Dentist: Select a qualified and experienced dental professional who specializes in implant procedures to ensure proper placement and care.
Follow Pre-operative Instructions: Adhere to your dentist’s guidelines before the surgery, including any dietary restrictions or medications to avoid.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss your teeth regularly, and follow your dentist’s recommendations for oral care to prevent infections.
Manage Health Conditions: Control any existing health issues, such as diabetes or autoimmune disorders, as these can affect healing and implant success.
Use a Mouthguard if Necessary: If you grind your teeth at night, consider wearing a mouthguard to protect your implants from excessive force.
Attend Follow-up Appointments: Keep all scheduled follow-up visits with your dentist to monitor your healing process.
Limit Hard Foods: Avoid chewing on hard foods or objects that could put excessive pressure on your implants, especially during the initial healing phase.
Conclusion
Every dental procedure can have one or two side effects, but most are mild and resolve quickly. Since dental implants are a relatively invasive procedure, it's common to experience some swelling, pain, and bruising during your recovery. In many cases, if you encounter any of these symptoms, your dentist will likely prescribe antibiotics or pain relief medication.
Contact the Middle Georgia Centre for Cosmetic Dentistry in Warner Robbins, GA , to learn more about the side effects of dental implants and whether you qualify for this procedure.
Absolutely! Dental implants are typically considered safe and effective when the procedure is performed by a skilled and qualified dentist. However, it’s important to remember that, like any surgical procedure, potential risks should be evaluated before proceeding.
How long are dental implants supposed to last?
Dental implants can last for many years as long as they are cared for and maintained in the right way. However, it’s crucial to consult your dentist about the best practices for taking care of your specific implant to ensure its durability.
At Middle Georgia Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, we’re committed to delivering personalized dental care of the highest quality. Our skilled team uses state-of-the-art technology to provide comfortable, thorough care for patients of all ages. From routine check-ups and cleanings to specialized cosmetic and restorative treatments, our mission is to help you achieve a vibrant, healthy smile. Step into our warm, welcoming practice, where your dental health is our top priority. Discover the difference with exceptional care at the Middle Georgia Center for Cosmetic Dentistry!
We are Dental Implant Specialists in Warner Robins, GA
At Middle Georgia Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, we specialize in dental implants—a stable, natural-looking option for replacing missing teeth. Unlike dentures, our implants are securely anchored into the jawbone, offering unmatched stability and a feel that closely resembles natural teeth. Dental implants enhance your smile, help preserve jaw structure, and prevent bone loss. With proper care, they provide a lasting solution that lets you eat, speak, and smile confidently. Reach out today to learn how dental implants can rejuvenate your smile and enhance your quality of life.
Schedule Your Appointment today!
This is a block of text. Double-click this text to edit it.
This is a block of text. Double-click this text to edit it.
I have to start off by saying that Dr. Hayslip’s assistants are the most comical and friendly people I have ever met. I don’t think a second went by that I wasn’t laughing at something one of them said. Dr. Hayslip was just as funny and I could thank him a million for the great job he did on my teeth but that would still not be enough. I could say that I never in my life looked forward to going to the dentist until now, I’ve come to know every single person in the office and I’ll probably drop by just to hang out. For the first time ever I actually smiled in my school picture.
Thank you.. thank you.. thank you..
Bunny Black
Dr. Hayslip,
For all you’ve done,
For all you do,
A special thanks
From me to You!
The kindness of the Doctor and the graciousness of his nursing staff made having my dental work almost pleasant. I’m glad I chose the BEST staff and Dr. Hayslip as my dentist!!
Bunny Black
Renee Caria
Dr. Hayslip and Staff,
Happier more confident and younger looking are just a few of the feeling I am experiencing since Dr. Hayslip gave me my new gorgeous smile. He and his staff are not only professional and caring but they are compassionate as well. The whole experience was so pleasant and Dr. Hayslip takes great pride in his work and it shows. I couldn’t believe how beautiful the temporaries looked and the permanent are unbelievable.
There is so much truth in the phrase “When you smile, the whole world smiles with you”!
Thank you for changing my life.
Renee Caria
Rose Johnson
Due to my “bite” being off, my bottom front teeth were worn down and were very jiggered. I talked with my regular dentist, whom I had been seeing for many years, about what could be done to fix my bottom teeth. He didn’t seem to be too concerned. I assumed that his only solution was at some point in time he would fit me with a partial plate, or even worse- dentures. I was very disappointed.
Then, someone told me about the Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry in Augusta, Georgia. I made an appointment to get an evaluation as to what could be done to save my bottom teeth. The representative told me that my bite was way off and in order to fix my bottom teeth, it would require extensive work throughout my whole mouth.
After I returned home, I noticed a sign in front of a dental office on Russell Parkway, MIDDLE GEORGIA CENTER FOR COSMETIC DENTISTRY. I made an appointment and visited this dentist to get his opinion on what could be done to save my bottom teeth. When Dr. Curtis
Hayslip looked at my teeth and my mouth, he gave me his recommendation, it was the same as the evaluation that I had received at the Dental School in Augusta.
I agreed for Dr. Hayslip to do whatever he deemed necessary to save my teeth. The total process involved grinding down all of my teeth and replacing them with crowns-28 crowns in all. Fitting the new crowns not only corrected my bite, it also enhanced my looks. The results were greater than my expectations. My new teeth looked perfect.
It has been over five years since I had all my teeth crowned and I have never regretted having it done. My new teeth not only helped my looks, but it also helped my self-esteem - I'm not embarrassed to smile now.
Thank you Dr. Hayslip for saving my teeth and improving my life.
Rose Johnson
Wes Boone
Dear Dr. Hayslip,
I never realized how drastic the changes would be when I made the decision to have my Dura-thins applied to my teeth. Dr. Hayslip and I discussed the procedure and the outcome. However, I was so pleasantly surprised at how they looked. I used to dread smiling and hated seeing pictures of my teeth. Now, I receive so many compliments; I love to show my new smile! My only regret is that I did not do it sooner. I highly recommend Dr. Hayslip and his staff. They are a great team of professionals who get the job done and done well.
