Problems with Dental Implants

Recently updated

Dental implants do require a small surgical procedure to insert the post, and every type of surgery carries some level of risk. We do everything possible in our Midtown Manhattan, NYC office to minimize these risks, but it is important to be aware of the things that could go wrong. Possible dental implant complications include:

Failure of the Implant to Fuse to the Jawbone

Implants can occasionally fail if they don’t properly integrate with the jawbone. This process which is called osseointegration generally takes several months to occur. An implant can fail if it is loose or mobile after this time, or if there is significant bone loss around the dental implant after the initial integration period. This can happen if the implant isn’t properly placed, which can cause it to come under too much stress during biting or chewing, or if there was loss bone surrounding the dental implant.

This is why we spend a lot of time planning the implant placement, making sure it is correctly positioned and that it doesn’t come under too much stress through being incorrectly loaded with the replacement tooth. If you don’t have enough bone, we will need to do a gum graft in NYC office to build up the bone in areas where it is deficient.

Peri-Implantitis

This is an infection that can occur if bacteria were present at the time of your implant surgery, or it can develop after surgery if you fail to keep up a regular oral hygiene routine. Peri-implantitis is similar to gum disease, as the gum tissue and bone around the implant becomes infected and inflamed. It can cause bone loss and implant failure. It is sometimes possible to treat this condition, but other times the implant must be removed to clear up the infection. You are more at risk of developing peri-implantitis if you smoke, have poor oral hygiene or are diabetic and less able to fight infections.

We use the strictest infection control procedures in our clinic, and make sure all patients know how to look after their dental implants. Attending regular checkups and making sure your dental implants are cleaned and maintained will minimize your risk of peri-implantitis. This condition can sometimes be successfully treated if caught early enough. If you think you have swollen gums, infected gums or sore gums around your implant then book an appointment to see us as soon as you can.

Damage to Tissue and Nerves

If an implant is placed too close to a nerve it can cause pain or numbness. It is possible to experience a tingling sensation in the lips, cheeks or gums. This problem might be temporary, but it is possible that the implant will need to be removed so the nerves can heal.

This type of damage is more likely to be caused by an inexperienced dental implant dentist, or by someone who only places a few dental implants each year. Our implant dentist is extremely experienced and ensures all implants avoid important structures such as nerves.

Implant Failure

This is very rare as the implant is made from high grade titanium alloy. It can happen if the implant is put under too much stress, or if it is made from cheaper materials.

We only use the highest quality dental implants from respected manufacturers. These have been rigorously tested to make sure this doesn’t happen. It is always worth checking to make sure your chosen dental implant dentist has the sufficient skill and knowledge to place your dental implant, and that they use top quality parts form reputable suppliers.