A dental implant procedure is a form of oral surgery, and there may be complications. What you do after the procedure can help determine whether it is ultimately successful. Properly taking care of your implants and the surgery site can decrease the chances that the implant may fail, and you could need another procedure. If you do experience any issues after the surgery, it is essential that you make an appointment with your oral surgeon for further evaluation and treatment.
Here are some of the common problems that you may experience after dental implant surgery and what you can do to keep them from occurring.
Infection at the Implant Site
In a dental implant procedure, the oral surgeon must cut into your gums to insert the implant. Whenever that happens, there is always the risk of an infection at the surgery site. The tissue surrounding the implant can become inflamed and potentially infected. You can reduce the risk of an infection through proper care of the surgery site. Make your best efforts to maintain proper oral hygiene and avoid doing things like smoking. If you detect any early signs of an infection, take prompt action by making an appointment with your oral surgeon.
Nerve or Tissue Damage
The trauma from the surgery could cause damage to nerves or tissue in your mouth, although this is a rare occurrence. Your oral surgeon may prescribe you medication to help you deal with the pain and inflammation. Medication could reduce the swelling and relieve some of your discomfort. In extreme cases, the oral surgeon may need to remove the implant, although it does not often happen. Usually, your oral surgeon would monitor the situation through post-surgery follow-up visits and take action if necessary.
Sinus Problems
In rare circumstances, you may experience problems with your sinuses after the implant surgery. There may not be enough bone between the implant and your sinuses. Then, the implant could penetrate the sinus floor, causing you pain. In some cases, you may be able to prevent sinus issues through proper oral hygiene. If you experience pain, your oral surgeon could prescribe you medication, or they may decide to remove the implant.
Allergic Reactions
Typically, the oral surgeon will ask you if you have any specific allergies before they determine whether you are a suitable candidate for an implant procedure. An implant is made out of titanium, which is a foreign substance in your mouth. You may not realize until after you have had the implant procedure that you are allergic to something. Your oral surgeon could prescribe measures that could help you deal with the symptoms, or they may remove the implant and consider one made of an alternate substance.
Implant Loosening
The implant has been surgically inserted into your mouth, and it is essential that it remains tightly in place. Implant loosening can mean a failure of the procedure, and it may need to be removed. You have some control over the situation, and the steps that you take may help you avoid implant loosening. Be sure to follow your oral surgeon’s post-procedure instructions, including proper oral health. If you feel any discomfort around the implant site or you notice that they are starting to move, be sure to make an immediate appointment with your oral surgeon.
Contact the South Jersey Oral Surgeons at Lanzi Burke Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons Today
The South Jersey oral surgeons at Lanzi Burke Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons can help give you the new smile that you want and need. Schedule a comprehensive evaluation with one of our oral surgeons to determine whether you are a suitable candidate for an implant procedure. You can make an appointment by calling us today at 856-582-4222 or contact us online. Our offices are located in Washington Township, Haddonfield, and Woolwich Township, New Jersey, and we treat patients throughout South Jersey.