By EKalman August 23, 2021 - 4:06am

Dental implants are artificial titanium teeth surgically installed into your jawbone. After an implant fuses with your jawbone, it will be topped with a dental crown to fully replace your missing tooth. Although dental implant procedures are mostly highly successful, there are some possible complications you need to know about.

Continue reading to discover the three most common dental implant complications and ways they can be taken care of and prevented.

1. Problems during postoperative recovery
Implants function best when they're surrounded by healthy teeth and gums. The ability of an implant to stay connected to your jawbone is affected by various factors. During the healing process, an implant may become loose. When this occurs, there is usually no infection or pain. Dental implant problems may result from the quality of your jawbone. Implants placed on extraction sites or near your back teeth in the upper jaw are particularly prone to becoming loose.

2. Implants in use
When your implant is used during the post-recovery period, several issues may arise. If your jawbone is unable to withstand the stress from daily movements like biting or chewing, the implant may become loose. Your dental specialist may remove your implant and let the bone fill in the gap as a solution. Stitches and bone grafting may be used, and you may be put under anesthesia for the procedure. If gum disease is the culprit behind your missing tooth, you're at increased risk of jawbone deterioration near the implant.

Another cause may be the implant not fitting as well as the prior tooth, resulting in an undesired gap between it and the neighboring teeth. This can result in food residue becoming trapped between your real teeth and the implant, ultimately leading to infection. When your implant becomes infected, it can lead to more serious issues like peri-implantitis. This disease causes jawbone deterioration and usually requires the removal of the implant.

3. Structural problems
An implant is made up of three parts: the prosthesis (which can be a denture, bridge, or crown that replaces a tooth), the abutment that holds it in place, and the fixture that is implanted into your jawbone. The abutment may break, even if it’s manufactured from hard materials like zirconia, titanium, or gold. The screw that connects the abutment to the implant body is under the same risk. Any ceramic or metal dental work is susceptible to tearing.

If your implant breaks, your dental specialist will assess the degree of the damage and the treatment options available. If you subconsciously grind your teeth while sleeping, you may end up damaging the crown on your implant.

How to take care of your implant
While dental implants are usually long-lasting, it's vital to keep in mind that they don't always last a lifetime. An implant, like your real tooth, can wear and tear over time, but it is not susceptible to cavities. Dental implants should be cleaned and kept plaque-free two times a day using a toothbrush and dental floss. Brushing your implants is especially crucial after eating. If brushing after having a meal isn’t an option, try rinsing your mouth with water.

You must consult your dental specialist before making any decisions to ensure that appropriate expectations are set. The price of dental implants varies depending on where they are placed. Knowing this information ahead of time can help you prepare more effectively.

The bottom line
If you’re thinking about replacing your missing teeth with dental implants, remember that various complications can occur. Hence, it’s important to ask your dental specialist if you have any contraindications before the procedure. If any of the aforementioned issues occur, don’t hesitate and visit your dentist right away. They will assess your condition and address it accordingly.