Implant -Based Restorations – What Could Go Wrong?
Anyone looking to undergo dental implants in Richmond will be pleased to know that they’re not only considered the most advanced form of missing tooth replacement, but long-term they’re incredibly cost effective too. What’s more if placed correctly implant-based restorations can have a 96-98% chance of success. But what about the remaining 2% – 4% what could possibly cause these to fail? Let’s take a closer look.
Bone fusion failure
Bone fusion or osseointegration is one of most important aspects of dental implant success. Without it the implant won’t remain rooted in the mouth. Instead it will loosen and eventually fall out. Under normal circumstances natural bone tissue grows around and fuses with the titanium implant over time. This is what gives the implant its characteristic super-strong platform. However certain issues or problems such as uncontrollable diabetes, heavy smoking, and osteoporosis can prevent the bone tissue from fusing.
Bacterial infection
This is regarded as the most common cause of dental implant failure and can occur when bacteria gets into the gum line where the implant sits. Just like periodontal disease in natural teeth, it starts to attack the gum and surrounding bone, weakening the implant structure. Just like gum disease it’s often characterised by inflammation, reddening, and bleeding of the gum surrounding the implant. Although many cases of bacterial infections occur in the first few months of an implant’s life, it’s important to note that they can also strike at any time. Therefore patients need to commit to continual and thorough brushing and flossing for the total duration of their implant. This could be forty years or more!
Nerve damage
Although quite rare, nerve damage is an occupational hazard of having dental implants. In the lower jaw especially a nerve known as the inferior alveolar runs through the jaw bone. If dental implants aren’t placed correctly to avoid this nerve then it’s possible that the patient may experience either temporary or permanent nerve damage to the lips, tongue, cheeks, or jaw.
Sinus perforation
This occurs when implants are placed into the upper jaw and pierce the sinus membrane located directly above the upper bone. If necessary, and with proper planning, the sinus cavity can be lifted up and a false roof of bone acts like a trap door to maintain the membrane in the right position. If the sinal membrane is perforated it can lead to bacterial infection and further nasal complications.
There are of course other factors that can occur when fitting a dental implant in Richmond such as a bodily rejection of the implant itself, but this is extremely rare. In most cases it’s the four factors above which cause the most problems, with bacterial infection being the most prominent. Therefore to stand the best chances of implant success and be in that 96-98% bracket, you’ll need to commit to looking after them.
To find out more about how dental implants in Richmond can help you then visit our website at www.sheendentalimplants.co.uk, or alternatively book yourself a free no obligation consultation by phoning 020 8876 5277 direct.