Dental implants are an excellent replacement option for patients that have recently lost a tooth. With that said, they aren’t a perfect option for everyone and sometimes problems occur.
Below is helpful information about dental implants, including what they are, some advantages, and some dental implant problems that may occur after placement.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are tooth replacement prosthetics that involve the placement of a metal rod into the jawbone of a patient that holds a false tooth in place. Over time, the metal rod fuses with the jawbone to ensure the new tooth stays securely in place.
It’s important to note that dental implants aren’t for everyone. Your jawbone needs to be strong enough to handle the implant procedure. If it’s not, you may be a candidate for a dental bone graft to add density to the jawbone. Speak with your dentist about whether dental implants are a good choice for you.
Advantages of Dental Implants
Here are some of the top benefits of dental implants:
- Cosmetic appearance: A dental implant can mimic the look of a natural tooth extremely well, and often will go completely unnoticed. This restores your smile to its former beauty.
- Strong jawbone: With a missing tooth or teeth, your jawbone will begin to deteriorate over time. A dental implant helps to keep your jawbone strong and prevents the deterioration of the jaw.
- Prevents teeth migration: If you have a missing tooth, the surrounding, healthy teeth will likely begin to migrate over time. This leads to crookedness and crowding. It also makes it difficult to take proper care of your oral health, which in turn can lead to gum disease, cavities, and other oral health concerns. A dental implant helps to ensure the surrounding teeth stay in place—keeping your smile healthy.
- Bite strength: Having a missing tooth can make it very difficult to bite and chew. A dental implant provides significant bite strength—allowing you to eat your favorite foods without worry.
Dental Implant Problems
It’s important to keep in mind that there may be some bleeding, swelling, and minor pain after an implant procedure. With that said, there are a few complications that can occur after the placement of dental implants that you should look out for. These may include:
- Tissue damage
- Gum recession
- A loose implant
- Nerve damage
- Sinus problems
- Implant rejection
Most of these issues are relatively rare. With that said, if you’ve recently had an implant placed and you are dealing with discomfort in the area afterward, make sure you schedule an appointment with your dentist so they can take a look and determine the best course of action.
Reach Out Today
Ideally, your implant placement should go smoothly. With that said, sometimes problems arise. If you are experiencing pain, swelling (after a few days), or discomfort, reach out today. Your dentist will examine the tooth and gum to see what the issue is. From there, they will put together a treatment plan.
