What Makes Some Dental Implant Cases More Complex?

More patients than ever before are able to receive tooth replacement using innovative, natural looking and feeling dental implants. These implant posts are positioned below the gum line where they fuse with the bone and soft tissue, mimicking the supportive root structure. As more patients become interested in these procedures, the spread of misinformation becomes a problem. Many patients read horror stories online about dental implant failure, surgical complications, and other issues that can arise during the implant tooth replacement process. It’s important for patients to understand that there are potential risks associated with any surgical procedures, but dental implants have a 95 to 98% success rates. That means your risk for failure is very low. This is especially true when you receive dental implants from a qualified professional who is aware of potential complications and how to address them.

The Dental Implant Tooth Replacement Process

In order to better understand the potential complications, you need to understand what happens during the placement of dental implants. The dentist will start by ensuring your comfort using local anesthesia and/or dental sedation options. Then, a small incision is made in the gums down to the jawbone. Next, an implant post is positioned. Once in place, a cap is attached to the top of the implant. This cap allows the implant to fuse with supportive structures while maintaining the shape of the gums, so the restoration can be attached once the implant fuses with the gums and jawbone. The process of integration can take several months, and once your implant has fused with supportive structures, you’ll return to the dental office to have your replacement tooth or prosthetic attached.

Potential Complications

With this treatment process in mind, you and your dentist will need to discuss any current oral or overall health conditions that may affect the procedure. You’ll also need to review any adverse reactions to surgical treatment or sedatives, allergies, and current medications. As long as you take the time to plan appropriately to ensure your safety and comfort as well as the success of your implant placement, complications are minimal. However, any of the following can cause complications during the dental implant process:

• Difficult to access position of missing teeth
• Large number of missing teeth
• Existing infection
• Lack of supportive bone and gum structure
• Allergies or sensitives to implant materials
• Prescription medication interference
• Other untreated or undiagnosed overall health concerns