Things that Can Go Wrong with Dental Implants
For numerous reasons, dental implants have gained in popularity. The most obvious is because unlike alternative solutions to missing teeth, such as dentures, dental implants can be a lifetime fix. Implants are anchored into the jawbone. Crowns affixed onto implants are made from artificial material that won’t decay.
With good oral hygiene practices, implants can last forever. That’s not true for almost any other teeth replacement solution. However, although dental implants are definitely the right solution for qualified candidates, getting dental implants requires surgery. As with any surgery, there are risks.
Even though the risks associated with dental implant surgery are minimal and extremely rare, it’s important to know what those risks are.
What is the Downside of Dental Implants?
The success rate for dental implant surgery is 95%. The success rate for dental implant surgery from a highly-qualified dentist at a qualified dental clinic rises to 98%. Due to the high-success rate, the main downside of dental implants is cost. Getting a dental implant procedure in the United States can become a massive financial burden on par with purchasing a luxury car or even the cost of a home.
We discuss cost concerns, and why they’re the biggest downside for U.S. procedures, later on in this blog. For now, check out a list of what can cause dental implant problems.
- A weak plan – Planning is the name of the game for any surgery. There are things patients must do before the surgery. There are things patients must do after the surgery. But the patient isn’t the only person responsible. When it comes to dental implants, the implant team, your dentists and surgeon, must create a good pre-op plan, post-op plan, and follow-up care plan. Bad plans can lead to dental implant failure.
- Weak jawbone – Implants are installed directly into jawbone. Weak jawbone can’t sustain dental implants.
- Lack of skilled or inexperienced dentists and/or surgeons – Don’t be fooled into thinking that only U.S. dentists have the expertise to perform dental implant procedures. More on this later.
The above three can definitely lead to All-on-4 dental implant problems. The reason? All-on-4 dental implants use 4 screws on top and 4 screws on the bottom to reconstruct an entire mouth. The more dental implants required, the higher chances of failure.
What Causes Early Dental Implant Failure?
Not only does replacing teeth in the entire mouth lead to a higher possibility of failure, but an All-on-4 procedure can often mean there are other possible health issues involved. Patients requiring an All-on-4 procedure might have poor blood supply, an autoimmune disease, an untreated infection, or overall poor health. The chances of failure rise with any outside issue.
Overloading, where both parts of the implant procedure, implant insertion and placing the crown, one right after the other during the same appointment can lead to early dental implant failure. Called same-day dental implants, qualified dentists can ensure overloading doesn’t happen.
There is also the chance of early dental implant failure, and later failure, specifically in regards to zirconia dental implants. Zirconia is as strong as titanium. However, zirconia ceramic, like all ceramics, can chip or break. Those getting dental implants must be aware of this issue specific to zirconia implants.
Dental Implant Problems: Symptoms and Side Effects
As with any surgical procedure, symptoms exist that point to failure. There can also be dental implant side effects. Keep reading for information on both symptoms and side effects.
Dental Implant Problem Symptoms
Below is a list of symptoms that point to possible dental implant problems:
- Severe pain or discomfort – Pain or discomfort is a good sign something might not be right
- A loose or shifting implant – Just like a loose or shifting tooth, a wobbly implant could be an issue
- Swelling or inflammation of the gums – Swelling should be expected during the healing process. If the swelling doesn’t go down, though, there might be a problem.
- Gum recession around dental implant – Recession might be a clue that something is wrong.
- Difficulty chewing and biting – If a patient continues to have difficulty chewing and biting after healing, an issue might be present.
It’s important to understand that minor swelling, bleeding, bruised skin and gums, and pain and discomfort for a couple of weeks are nothing to worry about. All of those things are normal after a dental implant procedure.
Dental Implant Problem Side Effects
Although incredibly rare, there are possible side effects from dental implant surgery. Check out what those side effects are:
- Infection – There’s always the chance of infection. No matter the surgery. No matter where the surgery takes place in the body. Infection is rare with dental implants. However, it can happen.
- Damage, injury, to surrounding teeth, gums, or jawbone – If the surgery goes awry, things injury or damage to surrounding teeth, the actual jawbone, or the surrounding gums, can happen.
- Nerve damage – Nerves can be damaged during dental implant procedures.
- Sinus problems – If a sinus lift was required before dental implant surgery but didn’t happen, the upper jaw could protrude into the sinus cavity causing sinus issues.
Again, although every side effect listed here is possible, it’s also extremely rare. One other thing to note, is that a failed dental implant can be replaced.
The most important thing that dental implant patients must do is to keep in contact with their dentist. At the first sign of symptoms or side effects, the patient should consult with their dentist. Their dentist can create a new plan to replace the failed dental implant.
How Long Does It Take for Dental Implants to Heal?
There are two stages to healing. The first stage takes about two weeks. During the first stage, swelling should dissipate while gums should stop bleeding and discomfort and pain should subside.
The second stage is called osseointegration. Osseointegration, the fusing of the implant with jawbone, can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months. It can sometimes take longer. During the planning process, the dentist tells the patient the expected healing time.
Dental Implants are Worth It…When Done in a Place Like Costa Rica
Earlier we mentioned how the dental implant procedure success rate from a qualified, skilled, dental surgeon and dental clinic was 98%. Well, the good news for cost-conscience patients (aren’t we all cost-conscience?) is that Costa Rican dental clinics and dentists are as qualified, if not more so, than dentists in the United States.
Read our blog, Costa Rica Dental Clinics. Cost is the number one possible issue with getting dental implants. A dental implant procedure in the United States could feel like paying off a student loan. That’s because the costs are astronomical.
That’s the big difference with dental implants in Costa Rica. Once expertise becomes a non-issue, once we realize that Costa Rican clinics are just as qualified to perform dental implant procedures as U.S. clinics, we can focus on cost. There’s no comparison. Almost every dental procedure done in Costa Rica, not just dental implants, costs less compared to the United States.
How Care Overseas Can Help
Care Overseas was created to help U.S. and Canadian citizens find an alternative destination for their dental procedures. We believe that everyone has the right to affordable dental care. We provide dental tourism services from helping patients find the perfect dental clinic in Costa Rica to finding a place to stay while in our nation, and to even setting up tourist activities during their stay.
Head to Care Overseas now and get a quote for your dental procedures. You can also call us at 866-778-2766 and we will walk you through the process. Dental care shouldn’t be stressful. Let Care Overseas help!