Several Complications with Dental Implants

Dental implants are becoming more popular because of the benefits they could provide and the safety of the procedure assured by many dentists. According to the cosmetic dentist los angeles, implants generally carry a success rate of around 95%, a large percentage for a very complicated procedure. Also, there are no absolute contraindications to implant dentistry. However, there are some systemic, behavioral and anatomic considerations that should be well-thought of.

Complications with Dental Implant

Complications with Lower Jaw Implants

In terms of mandibular (lower jaw) implants, especially in the vicinity of the mental foramen (MF), there must be sufficient alveolar bone above the mandibular canal also called the inferior alveolar canal or IAC, which acts as the conduit for the neurovascular bundle carrying the inferior alveolar nerve or IAN.

Failure to precisely locate the IAN and MF invites surgical insult by the drills and the implant itself. Such insult may cause irreparable damage to the nerve, often felt as a paresthesia (numbness) or dysesthesia (painful numbness) of the gum, lip and chin. This condition may persist for life and may be accompanied by unconscious drooling.

Complications with Tooth Clenching or Grinding

Bruxism (tooth clenching or grinding) is another contraindication. According to the cosmetic dentist los angeles, forces generated during bruxism are particularly detrimental to implants while bone is healing. Micromovements in the implant positioning are associated with increased rates of implant failure. Bruxism continues to pose a threat to implants throughout the life of the recipient.

Natural teeth contain a periodontal ligament allowing each tooth to move and absorb shock in response to vertical and horizontal forces. According to the cosmetic dentist los angeles, once this is replaced by dental implants, this ligament is lost and teeth are immovably anchored directly into the jaw bone. This problem can be minimized by wearing a custom made mouthguard (such an NTI appliance) at night.

Complications after the Operation

Postoperatively, after implants have been placed, there are physical contraindications that prompt rapid action by the implantology team. Excessive or severe pain lasting more than three days is a warning sign, as is excessive bleeding. Constant numbness of the gingiva (gum), lip and chin -- usually noticed after surgical anesthesia wears off -- is another warning sign.

In the latter case, which may be accompanied by severe constant pain, the standard of care calls for diagnosis to determine if the surgical procedure insulted the IAN. A 3D cone beam X-ray provides the necessary data, but even before this step, a prudent implantologist may back out or completely remove an implant in an effort to restore nerve function because delay is usually ineffective. Depending upon the evidence visible with a 3D X-ray, patients may be referred to a specialist in nerve repair. In all cases, speed in diagnosis and treatment are necessary.