WHAT ARE THE LONG-TERM CONSEQUENCES OF DENTAL IMPLANTS? (2024)

September 1, 2021

Dental implant surgery is incredibly successful, with most patients experiencing a success rate of over 95 percent. However, the surgical procedure isn’t suitable for everyone. In addition, the process can cause potential long-term complications to leave you concerned about whether you should have them or not to replace your missing teeth.

As a tooth replacement solution, no other option currently available matches the versatility and longevity of dental implants. Dental implants are a long-term tooth replacement solution that gives you back all your lost abilities with your missing teeth. The implant is a titanium screw that dental surgeons embed into your jawbone. The implant and your jawbone integrate over the next few months. After fusing with the jawbone, the implant supports an artificial tooth or crown.

The American Academy of implant dentistry claims approximately 3 million people in America have dental implants. In addition, about half a million people are having their tooth or teeth replaced with dental implants every year.

This article looks at the long-term consequences arising from dental implant surgery. We also aim to provide information on the success rate of implants, recovery time, and after-care.

Long-Term Consequences of Dental Implants

After undergoing dental implant surgery, may experience various complications as described below in this article. They are:

Infection

You can reduce the risk of infections by caring for your dental implant appropriately. It is crucial to follow the implantologist’s instructions regarding after-care. The conditions are usually treatable but depend on the severity and location. For example, if you have a bacterial infection in the gums, treatment is generally provided with antibiotics or a soft tissue graft. However, if the bacterial infection is in the bone, removing the infected bone tissue and even the implant becomes necessary, along with a bone graft and soft tissue graft.

Gum Recession

You may experience receding gums around the implants in some cases. Receding gums can result in inflammation and pain. If you want to prevent the removal of the implant, you must have the gum recession assessed promptly by a dentist.

Are You Suitable for Dental Implant Placement?

If you intend to receive dental implants, you must have good overall health besides healthy gums and jawbone. These structures are crucial for supporting the implant during your lifetime. Dental implants are unsuitable for children because their facial bones are still in the developmental stages.

Dental implants can fail despite their success rates, and healthcare professionals categorize the failures as early failure or late failure. As mentioned earlier, dental implants are incredibly successful in most patients, but the success rate may diminish if you have gum disease and diabetes and are a smoker. In addition, if you have received radiation therapy to the jaw area and take certain medications, you must exchange the information with your dentist, who might suggest you have an overdenture to replace your missing teeth.

Caring for Your Dental Implants

Following the after-care instructions provided by your dentist is the best way to ensure the success of your implants. After undergoing dental implant surgery, you must avoid hot foods and beverages and stick to a soft food diet for a few days. Avoiding strenuous exercises for at least two to three days to inhibit increased blood flow and swelling in the area is also essential.

You must maintain proper dental hygiene and clean the implant’s tissues regularly. Flossing the area at least once a day after healing the gums and using interdental toothbrushes to access difficult-to-reach areas is suggested by dentists. You must also schedule regular dental exams and cleaning in Mississauga, ON to have areas below the gum line cleaning. If you are a smoker, you must consider quitting the habit because it reduces the risk of unnecessary consequences or complications from dental implant surgery.

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