Dental implants have a high success rate, often exceeding 95%, making them a reliable option for tooth replacement. However, some patients do experience complications.Immediately after the surgery, common complications like swelling and bruising typically occur, but they’re generally mild and resolve after a few days. In rare cases, serious complications like bacterial infections and peri-implantitis may occur, which may need medical attention.
The chances of complications, however, can vary depending on certain risk factors like individual health, oral hygiene habits, bone density, the skill of your oral surgeon, and more.
To better understand your individual risk factors for dental implant complications, we recommend booking a free consultation with our dental professionals at FoX Implant Centre. We can offer tailored advice on potential risks based on your specific situation and create a personalised treatment plan to ensure optimal results.
Dental implants, like the Fixed on X (FoX) system, are designed to be a permanent solution for missing teeth. Most implants last well beyond ten years, and with good oral hygiene and proper care, many patients find their implants last 20 years or even a lifetime.
The key to their long lifespan is their design and how they are integrated into the bone. Unlike other tooth replacement options like dentures or dental bridges, implants fuse directly with the jawbone. While options like dentures and dental crowns only replace the visible part of the tooth, dental implants both the missing tooth and its root, ensuring stability and promoting jawbone health.
However, their lifespan can still vary depending on a number of factors. While they are designed to last a long time, individual results can vary.
If you are considering dental implants and want to understand more about how long they might last for your specific situation, we encourage you to book a free consultation with our dental professionals at FoX Implant Centre. We can provide a tailored treatment plan to help you achieve optimal outcomes based on your individual needs.
Even with careful planning, complications can arise during the surgical procedure. Potential risks include:
If the implant is placed too close to a nerve, particularly the inferior alveolar nerve in the lower jaw, it can cause nerve damage. This nerve runs near the tooth roots and controls sensation in the lower lip, chin, and teeth. When the implant site is not carefully planned or if the implant is drilled too deeply, it can compress or damage the nerve.
This type of injury can lead to persistent numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in the affected areas. In severe cases, the patient may experience sharp pain or loss of taste. These symptoms can be temporary, lasting weeks or months, or they may become permanent if the nerve damage is extensive.
That’s why proper planning and the use of imaging techniques like X-rays or 3D scans are necessary. They help provide a clear view of the jawbone and nerve locations, helping reduce the risk of such complications.
Excessive bleeding during dental implant procedures can arise from several factors. One common cause is the disruption of blood vessels near the implant site, especially if the implant is placed close to major blood vessels or areas where the jawbone is dense. Since the process involves drilling into the bone to secure the implant, some bleeding is expected, but it can become excessive if a large vessel is affected.
Health conditions that interfere with normal blood clotting, such as certain bleeding disorders or the use of anticoagulant medications, can also increase the risk. These medications, which patients may take for heart conditions or other issues, make it harder for blood to clot properly.
Poor surgical technique or infections or inflammation in the gum tissue can also contribute to excessive bleeding.
Placing dental implants requires precise drilling into the jawbone, and if this drilling occurs too close to adjacent natural teeth, it can lead to damage. This happens when the implant encroaches on the root structure of nearby teeth, causing issues like cracks or fractures in the tooth root. Improper planning or positioning can make this risk more likely, especially if the spacing between the implant and surrounding teeth isn’t adequate.
Accidental contact with the natural teeth during the procedure may also occur if the instruments used disturb the tooth structure. This can result in chips or even displacement. Such damage might not always be immediately visible but could later affect the stability and health of the natural teeth, potentially requiring additional dental work.
If the jawbone is too weak or thin to support the implant, it could fracture. This risk is higher in patients with significant bone loss or low bone density due to conditions like osteoporosis or long-term tooth loss, which may leave the jawbone fragile.
The likelihood of a fracture also increases if the implant is placed in a smaller section of the jawbone, such as the lower jaw, where the bone tends to be narrower. In cases where excessive force is applied during implant insertion or if the bone is over-prepared (drilled too much), the structural integrity can be compromised, leading to fractures.
After the implant procedure, several potential complications could arise, ranging from minor side effects to more serious health concerns.
Immediate Post-Surgical Side Effects
A few hours after the surgery, patients typically experience side effects, such as swelling, pain, bruising, and minor bleeding. These symptoms are typically temporary and should subside within a week or two. Pain medications and proper aftercare can effectively manage these symptoms, allowing the healing process to progress smoothly.
Infection at the Implant Site
Infections can develop at the implant site if bacteria enter the area during or after surgery. Once bacteria reach the implant site, they can colonise the area, leading to inflammation, pain, and swelling.
Poor oral hygiene is a major factor that can increase the risk of such infections. When a patient fails to maintain good oral care practices, like regular brushing and flossing, bacteria can accumulate around the gum line and implant, providing a breeding ground for infection.
Other factors that can contribute to infection include smoking, which affects blood flow and healing, and underlying health conditions like diabetes, which may impair the body’s ability to fight off bacteria.
Bacterial infection can delay the healing process and, in severe cases, lead to implant failure.
Allergic Reaction to the Implant Material
Though rare, allergic reactions to the implant material, such as titanium implants, can occur. This happens if the body reacts negatively to the metal, preventing osseointegration (the fusion of the implant with the bone) and treating the implant as a foreign object.
Symptoms might include swelling, pain, or rashes around the implant site. In such cases, the implants and even the artificial tooth may need to be replaced with a different material that is better suited for the patient.
Sinus Problems
For implants placed in the upper jaw, there is a risk of developing sinus problems if the tooth implant protrudes into the sinus cavity. The upper jaw’s bone is thinner and closer to the sinus cavity, making it possible for the implant to extend into or put pressure on this space. When this happens, the sinus membrane can become irritated or perforated, leading to sinus issues such as congestion, sinusitis, or infection.
In severe cases, a secondary procedure, like a sinus lift, may be required to add bone and support the implant, reducing the risk of complications.
Over time, certain risks can develop that may affect the stability and success of dental implants. This includes:
Inadequate gum thickness and poor healing can cause the gum tissue around the implant to pull back, exposing the abutment or even part of the implant itself. If the gum line is naturally thin or recedes due to inflammation after the procedure, it can make the implant appear more exposed, potentially affecting the aesthetics and function of the restoration.
When the gum recedes, it not only compromises the appearance of the implant but also increases the risk of infection and further complications. The exposed area can be harder to clean, allowing bacteria to build up and possibly leading to peri-implantitis.
Peri-implantitis is an inflammatory condition that affects the soft and hard tissues surrounding a dental implant. It usually starts with a buildup of bacteria on the implant surface, especially if there is inadequate oral hygiene or pre-existing gum disease. When plaque accumulates around the implant, it can cause the surrounding gum tissue to become inflamed and swollen, creating an environment where bacteria thrive.
One of the symptoms of peri-implantitis is persistent bad breath, which results from bacterial buildup and the ongoing infection. If left untreated, peri-implantitis can cause significant bone loss, jeopardising the stability of the implant and potentially leading to implant failure.
There are also mechanical problems that can occur with dental implants, such as screw loosening, fractures, or wear and tear on the artificial components. Such complications can impact the functionality of the implant and may require repairs or replacements over time.
When dental implants move or shift, it indicates that the implant hasn’t properly fused with the jawbone. This can happen due to insufficient bone density, excessive pressure on the implant, or premature loading before the bone has fully healed.
Movement may lead to complications such as bone loss, implant loosening, or even complete failure of the implant. It can also cause discomfort and misalignment of the prosthetic tooth and may require additional procedures to correct the issue.
At FoX Implant Centre, we take every possible step to minimise potential risks and ensure optimal outcomes for our patients.
Before any dental surgery, we conduct a comprehensive pre-surgical assessment that includes evaluating your overall oral health, particularly your gums and jawbone. Advanced imaging, such as 3D scans, is then used to assess bone quality and map out the ideal implant site while avoiding critical structures like nerves and the sinus cavity. This step allows us to determine the best treatment options and create a tailored treatment plan.
Part of our pre-surgical assessment is an extensive review of each patient’s medical history. This is crucial to help us identify medical conditions that could affect the healing process or increase surgical risks.
For instance, conditions like diabetes can slow wound healing, while bleeding disorders or medications like blood thinners can raise the chance of excessive bleeding.
Our medical history review process also includes assessing any history of periodontal disease, as it can compromise gum health and increase the risk of infection around the implant. We also take into account factors like osteoporosis or immune system issues that may impact how well the implant integrates with the jawbone.
After reviewing your medical history and conducting a comprehensive pre-surgical assessment, we will then craft a personalised dental implant treatment plan. This ensures that every aspect of the procedure is optimised for your specific needs and circumstances.
Customising the treatment plan also allows for adjustments in surgical techniques and post-operative care to address specific risk factors. For instance, treatment plans for patients with low bone density may include bone grafting to enhance the jawbone’s volume and provide a stable foundation for the implant. This increases the likelihood of successful implant integration and long-term implant success.
At FoX Implant Centre, we use advanced implant dentistry technology for precise dental implant placement. This includes detailed 3D imaging, which provides a comprehensive view of the jawbone structure, surrounding teeth, and anatomical landmarks. We also use advanced digital planning technology to create customised surgical guides, helping ensure that the implant is placed at the exact depth and angle needed for stability.
Our dental professionals, led by Dr Nick Trevlopoulos, bring years of experience in implant dentistry to the table. This extensive experience allows them to accurately assess each patient’s unique needs and apply the most appropriate techniques for optimal outcomes.
FoX Implant Centre is the only dental practice in Australia offering complete end-to-end full mouth restoration, with all procedures carried out in one place. From the initial consultation and planning stages to crafting the prosthesis and performing the dental surgery, even general anaesthesia if necessary, every step is managed under one roof.
This one-stop-shop approach allows for greater quality control at each stage of the dental implant process, helping to reduce the risk of complications and enhance treatment outcomes.
You, the patient, also have an important role in reducing the risks associated with your dental implant treatment. Here are some actions you can take:
If complications from dental implant treatments are not addressed promptly and effectively, they can lead to implant failure. Dental implants fail when they do not properly integrate with the jawbone or become unstable due to infection, bone loss, or other issues.
Watch out for symptoms like persistent pain, swelling, or discomfort around the implant, loosening of the implant, difficulty chewing, and gum recession exposing the implant. If you notice any of these symptoms, do not hesitate to book a consultation with our dental professionals. With years of experience and advanced technology, we can help you assess the issue, manage the complications, and handle implant removal if needed.
If you experience any complications or side effects, such as prolonged pain, excessive bleeding, or signs of infection, it is crucial to seek medical attention. The sooner these issues are addressed, the better the chance of preventing further complications. At FoX Implant Centre, our team of dental professionals is always ready to assist. With our experienced staff and in-house facilities, we ensure that you receive the best possible care every step of the way.