Tuesday, 15 September 2009

Dental Implant Complications


By Ian Kleine

To understand the benefits that dental implants can give you, it is just the same as trying to understand the complications and risk involved in it. There are no guarantees, no 100% chance of success; risks and gambling will always be there in a corner rearing its ugly head. If one wishes a chance to improve, then one must risk for that sake. Dental implants are a good example of this.

Dental implants require that the patient should have the proper amount of bone in order for the implant to have sufficient anchorage. Without proper bone mass (or if your entire bone density is found to be lacking), you would have to consider other easier options first. Forcing dental implants even if it is not advised by your attending dentist could lead to severe catastrophic results. It is not really a big issue if the level of your bone density is but small. Bone graft procedures can make the necessary adjustments required for the implant to have a sufficient base. This is sometimes called as bone augmentation.

Consideration with your habits and usual routine should be given as well, else the dentist will have a hard time deciding a post operative routine for you. The operation doesn't stop in the dentist's chair. It goes farther during your recovery period. If you are a Bruxer, or one who is suffering from involuntary or habitual clenching (Bruxism), you should notify your doctor immediately (especially if this is the case of your bad tooth.) Clenching is a serious problem in the tooth, often leading to irreversible implant damage like cap fracturing, bone anchor loss or resorption of implant into the bone or malformation and loosening of the implant.

Dentists would take a lot of time to determine what materials are compatible with your body. The metal type, the implant length, the dimensions, the thread pattern. Whether you need personalized implants or you can go with commercial. Determining bone volume and density, and talking to a periodontist, endodontist, orthodontist, surgeons or a colleague to take second opinions and such. Its a very tedious process for one patient!

Failure in implants are called incorrect osseointegration and usually happens due to unforeseen circumstances rather than the neglect of the medical personnel. This happens if the implant becomes mobile instead of staying fixed, if the implant is absorbed or the bone does not hold the implant. Peri-implantitis, or inflammation of the bone surrounding the implant happens too, leading to pain, tenderness and degradation and bone loss. Smokers are at a higher risk of failing if they do not quit during recovery time. Post operation check ups per month should be followed to allow your attending physician a good look at your teeth.

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