What Are the Dangers of Dental Implants?

Dental implants can replace missing teeth.

A dental implant is a metal post, usually made of titanium that replaces a missing or damaged tooth. A natural-looking and functioning tooth covers the metal post. According to the Park Avenue Periodontal Association, implants are successful in 90 to 95 percent of cases, but there are risks and dangers associated with the procedure.

Risks

Bacteria can contaminate the implant resulting in a severe infection. Nerve injury caused during implant placement can lead to pain, numbness and other complications. The maxillary sinus can be injured or perforated during implant placement leading to breathing and other sinus-related problems. Some dental implant patients experience speech problems following the surgery as well.

Significance

Infections at the implant site can become serious if they spread to other parts of the mouth and face, but they usually do not become so severe if caught and treated early. Severe infections may result in implant loss. Injury to the mandibular nerve can cause pain and other sensory impairment in the jaw area. If the injury is severe, nerve damage can result in speech impairments and difficulty eating. If the maxillary sinus is injured or punctured as the result of a dental implant, repair can be difficult and sinus problems may persist. Speech problems are usually minor and temporary, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Function

Bacteria that are already present in the jaw and are released into the implant site during the procedure cause most infections. Nerve injury to the mandibular nerve during dental implant surgery is relatively rare and is usually caused by the oral surgeon improperly handling the nerve or failing to work around it during implant insertion in the back of the lower jaw. The maxillary sinus is hollow so implants placed in the upper molars can push up into the sinus cavity and perforate the sinus. Speech problems usually occur in patients who have been missing a tooth or teeth for a long time and have adapted their speech to the empty area.

Prevention/Solution

Infections are usually prevented by keeping everything sterile during dental implant surgery. Patients should follow their surgeon's instructions carefully following the procedure to minimize the chance of infection and seek prompt attention for any infections that develop. Injury to the mandibular nerve can often be prevented by patients undergoing X-rays or dental CAT scans prior to the procedure so the surgeon can visualize the location of the nerve and plan the procedure accordingly. Patients who need dental implants in the upper molars can avoid injury to the maxillary sinus by having a sinus lift prior to implant placement. A sinus lift involves a bone graft being placed near the sinus to prevent the implant from puncturing it. Speech problems resulting from dental implants are usually temporary, and most patients adapt on their own. Severe speech problems may require the help of a speech therapist to correct. All dental implant procedures should be performed by experienced oral surgeons to lower the risk of complications.

Expert Insight

According to the National Institutes of Health, it is difficult to determine the exact success of dental implants for the long term because it is difficult to compare different implant types and because unreported problems may exist. There is evidence gathered from case studies that suggests that dental implants are effective for five to 10 years and possibly longer. Patients should discuss any questions and concerns thoroughly with their oral surgeons prior to deciding on a dental implant as a solution for a missing tooth.

References

• Dental Implant FAQs
• National Institutes of Health; Dental Implants