Dental implant surgery is a long-term replacement for a missing tooth. It involves a titanium screw that a dental surgeon screws into the jawbone in place of the original tooth’s root. Over a recovery period, the implant and jawbone fuse together. After fusing, the implant can support an artificial tooth or crown, Dental implants can have several functional and cosmetic benefits, including: Restoring your smile, Stabilizing surrounding teeth and jaw tissue, Improving biting and chewing function, Preventing bone loss.
Dental implant surgery has a high success rate and may be good for some people. However, it is not suitable for everyone and has the potential to cause long-term complications.
There are several potential complications that can occur following Dental implant surgery. The most common complication is an infection at the implant site. In some cases, a person may find that the gum tissue around the implant begins to recede. This can lead to inflammation and pain.
In the first few weeks following Dental implant surgery, the dental implant will grow and fuse with the jawbone. This process is called osseointegration, and it is crucial to the long-term success of the implant. If the implant fails to fuse with the bone, the dental surgeon may remove it.
Sometimes, a dental surgeon may inadvertently place a dental implant too close to a nerve. This can cause numbness, tingling, or pain. Short-term symptoms are most common in dental implant surgery, but a person may experience long-term symptoms.
Peri-implantitis is a type of gum Dental implant surgeryease that causes loss of the bone supporting the implant. It develops due to chronic inflammation at the site of the implant.
Dental implants are unsuitable for children as their facial bones are still growing. To receive dental implants, a person must have good overall health and healthy gums and jawbone as these structures will support the dental implant throughout their lifetime.
Dental implants have a success rate of around 90-95%. However, they may have a reduced success rate among people who smoke, have diabetes, have gum Dental implant surgeryease, have had radiation therapy to the jaw area or take certain medications.
The best way to ensure the success of a dental implant is to follow aftercare advice provided by your surgeon. After undergoing Dental implant surgery, avoid hot food and drinks while numb and stick to a soft food diet for at least a few days.
As with natural teeth, an implant and tissues surrounding it require regular cleaning. Floss at least once per day after gums have healed and use interdental brushes to access areas that are more difficult to reach.
People who smoke may wish to consider quitting as this will reduce risk of complications from Dental implant surgery.
If you develop any worrying symptoms following Dental implant surgery such as pain or swelling beyond one week after surgery or sinus issues (in cases where implant is placed in upper jaw), see your dental surgeon immediately.