A dental implant is a viable option when a tooth has been lost, and it is a popular alternative to a bridge or a partial denture. Because no medical procedure is risk free, it's important to understand, should your dentist recommend this procedure, the potential dangers and complications of a tooth implant, such as infection, nerve damage, sinus problems or injury or damage to the tooth or blood vessels, according to the Mayo Clinic.com. If you are considering a tooth implant, it is wise to be aware of the potential dangers associated with this surgical procedure.
Infection
While dental implants are performed in a sterile atmosphere, as with any surgery there is always the risk of infection, according to Dental Implants.com. Depending on the individual case, a dental surgeon who performs a tooth implant may prescribe an antibiotic, either when the surgery is performed or when the first signs of infection (such as redness or swelling) develop.
Injury
Because surgery is not an exact science, there is a possibility of injury to an adjacent tooth or to the blood vessels surrounding the tooth implant surgery site. Signs of injury to an adjacent tooth include a visible chip or crack, but there may also be root damage, which may not be visible to the naked eye. This may result in the need for further dental work to repair any damage. If blood vessels are injured, then the surgical site may bleed longer than usual, increasing the risk of infection.
Nerve Damage
When a tooth implant is inserted into the back lower jaw, there is a chance of damage to the mandibular nerve, according to Park Avenue Periodontal Associates. This can result in loss of feeling or pain in the lower jaw, which is usually temporary but may be permanent.
Sinus Damage
When a tooth implant is inserted anywhere in the upper jaw, there is a chance of perforating the sinus wall, which can result in infection of both the sinus and implant sites, as well as an increased risk of rejection of the tooth implant.
Rejection
While the success rate of tooth implants is 95 percent in the lower jaw and 90 percent in the upper jaw, according to Park Avenue Periodontal Associates, there is a chance of outright rejection. This sometimes occurs because of a deep infection that was undetected at the time of the implant or because of an infection that developed after the surgery. Rejection may also occur due to the bone not growing around the implant root tightly. Rejection typically occurs within a six-month period but may occur years later.
