Dental Implants Problems
Dental implant problems are uncommon, especially when patients practice good oral hygiene habits, but it is important to be aware of common signs that your dental implant needs to be evaluated by your periodontist. The following are the most common types of dental implant problems that can occur:
Infection: An infection may develop following placement of a dental implant, especially if patients do not closely follow aftercare instructions. Signs of an infection include swelling and redness, pain that spreads or intensifies, bleeding or oozing pus, and/or chronic halitosis. If you notice any of these issues, contact your periodontist to see if a follow-up appointment is necessary. Infections that occur in the gums may be treated with antibiotics, however infections that occur in the bone may require more serious treatment.
Loose implant: The first stage in most dental implant procedures is placement of a post into the patient’s jawbone. Once placed, this post will fuse with the jawbone over a period of several months, after which the permanent crown can be placed. Though rare, there are instances when the post does not properly fuse, in which case it will be necessary to remove the post, wait for the area to heal, and attempt the procedure again.
Tissue/nerve damage: If an implant is placed too close to a nerve, damage can occur. Symptoms of this happening include numbness on the side of the implant, persistent pain, and/or a tingling/tickling or burning sensation of the skin and gums.
Gum recession: Gum recession can sometimes occur around where the implant was placed. If you have noticed slight gum recession around your implant, schedule an appointment with your periodontist, who may recommend treatments such as a gum graft or Pinhole Surgical Technique.
Underlying Causes of Dental Implant Damage
Excessive force can cause your dental implants to develop cracks or become loosened. Patients who have bruxism or TMJ may also cause damage to their implant and teeth over time. Wearing a nightguard while sleeping can be helpful in reducing the risk of damage occurring. Gum disease is also a common underlying culprit when dental implant problems develop. If caught in the early stages, gum disease can typically be reversed, but if it is allowed to advance, serious issues with dental implants and any remaining natural teeth can develop. Finally, dental implant problems can develop due to the body rejecting the implant. While this does not happen often, it is recommended that patients are tested for metal sensitivity prior to having the procedure performed.
Sinusitis and Common Symptoms
Some patients may develop sinusitis following the placement of their dental implants, which is characterized by swelling, which pushes the implants into the cavities of the sinus, causing a range of symptoms to occur, such as the following:
- Sinus headaches
- Toothache
- Reduced sense of smell
- High fever
- Green or yellow mucus
- Pain, tenderness, and/or swelling around the cheeks, eyes, or forehead
- Chronic bad breath
- Blocked nose
Contact Us Today
At Coastal Jaw Surgery, we are committed to providing you with quality dental care and making your experience as smooth as possible. If you have questions or concerns about your dental implants, contact us today at (800) NEW-LOOK or fill out an online form at https://coastaljaw.com/appointment-request/