COMPLICATIONS AND RISKS
Implant placement has shown long-term success rates of 80-95%. However, this does not imply that you personally can expect such a favourable long term result. Due to individual patient differences and the imperfections of the art and science of surgery, there exists a risk of failure or needing additional treatment despite appropriate care. Major risk factors for failure include diabetes, smoking, heavy biting forces, and general ill health, including conditions that affect bone turnover.
Complications that may result from implant surgery and anaesthetics include, but are not limited to:
- Adverse Reactions to the anaesthetic, drugs, medications
- Perforation into the Sinus may happen during surgery in the upper jaw, when the implants are being placed. This air space is located just above the roots of your upper molar teeth. If a perforation occurs, it is usually manageable by closing and sealing the area with sutures and instructions of home care and antibiotics. If the perforation is more extensive, it may require minor surgical intervention with a referral to a specialist.
- Damage to surrounding tissues may occur during the placement of implants, as the adjacent bone, vessels and tissues near the site of the implants are stretched out to make room for the implants. Minor damage usually heals uneventfully.
- Accidental swallowing of parts may occur during the implant placement, removal, adjustments and fitting. Small components are required to handle implants, and as such, there is always a risk that these may be accidentally swallowed during the procedure. If this occurs, you may need to have x-rays and surgical treatment to have it removed.
- Soreness and sensitivity around the gums or teeth, minor swelling, tenderness, joint pain or prolonged numbness from the anaesthetic are common side effects after surgery. These symptoms should settle over the next few days to weeks, but the length of time may different between patients. Please inform your dentist if such symptoms persist.
- Rate of healing after any surgery varies between individuals so do not be alarmed if the area is healing quicker or slower than expected. During the follow-up visits, the healing of the implant and its abutment will be assessed and managed appropriately.
- Failure or improper healing of the implant may require additional surgery, gum/bone grafting procedures, alternative methods if treatment fails or specialist referral if severe implications arise.
- Peri-implant mucositis can result due to poor oral hygiene. It is a reversible inflammation of the soft tissue around the implant due to bacteria from plaque build-up. It is usually confined to the gums alone and without loss of supporting bone.
- Peri-implantitis is a more severe and destructive inflammatory response of the gums and bone surrounding the implants. The gums become inflamed, and there is progressive bone loss around the implants, causing it to become loose. These can be attributed to risk factors similar to in found in gum disease such as overall medical health, smoking status, stress, hormonal imbalances, poor plaque control, excessive biting forces, sub-optimal surgical or prosthetic execution and/or improper maintenance care.
- Progressive bone loss can occur overtime with implants and can be related to surgical, occlusal, periodontal implications associated with implants. The success of an implant relies solely on the surface interaction between the implant and its surrounding bone, which means implants are more prone to bone loss than compared to a natural tooth.
- Fracture of the abutment fixtures, screws and associated parts are rare but can happen. If any componentry or screws become loose, it is best to contact us and see your dentist immediately so we can manage this effectively. If the componentry or screws have fallen out, please keep them and bring them with you to the appointment.
- Fracture, wear or chipping of the ceramic may happen due to functional forces of eating, grinding and clenching. If the fracture is small then it may be repairable, but larger fractures will require total replacement, and a new ceramic crown/bridge will need to be constructed for you.