Dental implants are a metal post that is surgically attached to the jaw bone to support an artificial tooth. Once placed, an oral surgeon and restorative dentist will mount a replaced tooth to the implant. They have a high success rate. 

However, there are also cases when people experience dental implant failure. A recent study shows that approximately 5 to 10 percent of dental implants fail either months or years after the procedure or shortly following the procedure. Taking all the aforementioned into consideration it is extremely important to understand the potential dental implants problems. Therefore, the following section depicts the main ones. 

Infection at the implant site 

This infection can occur and develop during or after dental implant surgery. Risk factors for this condition include having an autoimmune disease, bad oral hygiene, and smoking. 

Micro-movements of implant 

Implant micro-movements can happen when a dental implant lacks stability, which sometimes happens after an immediate tooth replacement. In the majority of cases, a tooth implant is not attached to a tooth until the jaw bone properly integrates with the implant. However, in minor cases, surgeons can perform an immediate tooth replacement after implantation. This method puts a lot of stress on the implant and can also cause a failure. 

Not sufficient bone support 

It might be also the case that during the early stage there is not sufficient bone to support dental implants. Specialists say that without sufficient bone, the implant cannot fuse with the jaw. 

Allergy 

This is probably the most common dental implants problem. Some people might develop a reaction if they are allergic to titanium alloy or metal that is contained in some dental implants. Some symptoms of an allergic reaction include loss of taste, swelling or a tingling sensation. Thus, if you have an allergy to titanium you should mention it to your oral surgeon. As a result of this allergy, you will need an implant that is made of a different material.  

Tissue or nerve damage 

Nerve or tissue damage might happen when an implant is placed too close to a nerve. This dental implant problem can lead to severe tooth pain. Some signs of damage include tingling or numbness in the tongue, lips, face or gums. 

Rejection of foreign objects 

This type of dental implant problem does not occur too often but some people still experience it. This is a situation when the body rejects an implant. Increased pain at the implant site, fever, swelling, and chills are signs of rejection. 

 

In order to decrease the likelihood of encountering these dental implants problems, specialists suggest practicing good hygiene and keep the mouth, implants, and gums healthy. It is also recommended to floss and brush your teeth at least twice a day, rinse the mouth with mouthwash and attend a dentist on a regular basis.  

 

We have also prepared a list of signs of dental implants problems and they are as follows: 

 

• Gum inflammation 

• Difficulties with chewing 

• Gum recession 

• Increased swelling 

• Severe teeth pain and discomfort 

• Loosing of an implant or a replaced tooth 

 

You have to keep in mind that you will encounter some degree of discomfort or pain after the surgery. However, it can be managed with pain medication. If you actually do experience some degree of pain or discomfort that does not disappear after 5 or 6 days following the surgery you will have to consult your doctor. Specialists state that it normally takes three to six months to completely heal. It is also advised to aks your friends who already have dental implants for their recommendations regarding the surgeon.