Tooth Implants Complications

Function

• A tooth implant functions as a replacement for a missing tooth. Because it is placed in the mouth, Atlanta Dental Implants says that it can become infected. The human mouth contains potentially harmful bacteria that can invade the gum tissue around an implant. Dentists use sterile techniques that usually prevent this complication. It can be treated with antibiotics, but some restorative work may also be needed due to tissue damage.
  
  

Effects

• A tooth implant is anchored in the patient's jawbone. This can sometimes cause negative effects like bone loss around the implant if the patient doesn't maintain good dental hygiene after the procedure. Bone loss can happen around regular teeth when they are not brushed and flossed regularly to prevent gum disease. A tooth implant must be kept clean in the same way to keep the surrounding tissue and bone in good condition. Otherwise bone grafts may be required.
  
  

Timeframe

• Tooth implants need time for the bone to heal, which can take several weeks. If a patient puts too much bite pressure on the implant before healing is complete, Atlanta Dental Implants says it can inhibit supporting bone from building up properly. This can be avoided by chewing in other areas of the mouth while the implant heals.
  
  

Considerations

• When the dentist makes an incision in the gum to prepare the area for a dental implant, he must completely close it when he is done. If he does not suture the gums together completely, the incision line can open. Blood flow may be cut off, damaging or killing gum tissue. The size of the incision must be considered carefully. If it is too large, Atlanta Dental Implants says there is an increased risk for this complication.
  
  

Warning

• Although tooth implants have a high success rate, Atlanta Dental Implants says they can be rejected by the body or fail. Rejection happens when the body attacks the implant because it is a foreign object. If this happens, the implant must be completely removed. Failure happens when stress causes the implant to bend or break. The implant may still be repairable or replaceable, depending on the circumstances.