There are several types of complications after dental implants. They are very often associated with the characteristics of the human body. Fortunately for most patients, with proper oral hygiene, serious complications are rare. But even when a person does not experience discomfort after implanting teeth, it is advisable to visit the dentist for prevention. After all, if you detect any deviations in time, you can avoid the occurrence of serious health problems.
Complications in Implant Dentistry: Symptoms
Possible complications after dental implants occur quite rarely but can be harmful to your health. Some of them lead to rejection of the implant, the development of chronic diseases, and violations of the oral cavity aesthetics. Let’s look at what difficulties may occur after dental implantation and how to recognize and prevent them.
- Swelling. Edema is a normal reaction of the body to tissue injury. However, in some cases, it indicates the development of inflammation or peri-implantitis. If it does not go away within a week, or/and is accompanied by hematomas, fever, and pain, consult a doctor.
- Fever. The temperature after dental implantation usually rises and lasts up to three days. If the temperature lasts longer, consult your dentist. This indicates the development of inflammation.
- Numbness. In the first 3-5 hours after surgery, numbness is normal because you are under anesthesia. If it does not go away, this may indicate the damage to the facial nerve.
- Perforation of the maxillary sinus and nasal cavity. It occurs if the dentist accidentally breaks the septum between the two cavities.
- Bleeding. A small amount of blood is a normal reaction. If the bleeding does not stop, it indicates low blood coagulation or problems with blood pressure. Dental emergencies like this mean that you need urgent help from a cardiologist or surgeon.
- Seam discrepancy. If a suture is opened after implantation, it must be re-applied. Follow the doctor’s recommendations to avoid this after the operation.
- Gum disease. Usually, the first three days after implantation, there may be a slight inflammation. If it does not subside and is accompanied by temperature, poor health, and discoloration of the gums, this may indicate an infection.
- Abscess. It arises due to the inflammatory process, and is distinguished by visible swelling, and may secrete pus. There’s a danger of the further spread of infection throughout the body. So don’t postpone a visit to your doctor in such a case.
- Strong pain. It occurs mainly during implantation on the lower jaw and may be associated with damage to the facial nerve. If the pain intensifies or does not go away within 2-3 days, resort for preventative dentistry.
- Peri-implantitis. This is inflammation after implantation not only in the soft tissues but also in the bone. It is dangerous by the accumulation of pus, thinning of bone tissue, infection. It may occur for a number of reasons, including improper hygiene, improper closure of the postoperative wound, inaccuracy in the size of the crown.
- Tooth implant rejection. It occurs due to surgical trauma, lack of bone tissue, smoking, allergies, etc. It requires removal of the implant with subsequent re-implantation or without it.
How to Treat Complications
If you discover one of the symptoms of complications, do not panic and do not self-medicate. Consult your doctor. He/she will conduct necessary tests and help you quickly deal with the sequela without consequences. Follow these simple rules, and you will get well soon:
- Apply a treating pledget after implantation. It will help relieve pain and reduce swelling.
- Use the medication prescribed by your doctor.
- Use dental pastes, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and antiseptic rinses.
- Follow a diet. Do not eat solid, hot, and cold food. This way, the seam will heal normally.
- Avoid stress, long hot baths, and visits to saunas. Any external impact can cause a discrepancy in the postoperative suture.
- Do not touch the wound. Otherwise, you can cause infection or damage the seam.
- Abstain from smoking and chewing food with operated teeth.
- At the beginning of the postoperative period, sleep on big pillows (in case of bleeding).
- If the corners of the mouth become dry, moisten them with special ointments.
Dental Implant Care Instructions
Prudent care of dental implants is the key to their successful engraftment. The health of the gums and teeth also depends on the quality of the oral cleaning. It is recommended to take care of dental implants neatly and regularly. Here are just general recommendations for postoperative home care:
- Thoroughly brush your teeth with a medium soft brush every morning and before bedtime.
- Choose toothpaste which contains no abrasive particles.
- Use interproximal brushes or brushes with tufts to remove dirt from the interdental space and the lingual part (tongue-inward surface).
- Use dental floss after each meal.
- Regularly rinse the oral cavity with special mouthwashes or irrigators.
- Visit your family dentist every six months for professional brushing to fully remove tartar and plaque.
Full oral care after implantation is practically no different from the usual procedures recommended by dentists. The only difference is the need for a more thorough cleaning of the space around the implant. This is needed for the prevention of inflammatory processes, the development of bacteria, and reimplantation.