A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that holds a dental crown to replace a missing tooth, or is used as an anchor for a dental bridge. Dental implants are permanently anchored in your jaw, offering a stable base for the crown or dental bridge.
The process for placing a dental implant starts with anchoring the implant into the jaw. After the implant is placed, the dentist should wait three to six months for the jaw bone to heal around the dental implant. This process is referred to as "osseointegration." After the jaw bone is healed, the dentist can add the dental crown or place the dental bridge over the implant.
Many dental implant surgeries heal well and the patients do not experience any side effects or issues. Still, in rare instances, problems can occur. In many conditions, dentists can fix the issue and individuals will eventually be able to enjoy their replacement tooth or dental bridge.
One problem that can occur is bone or gum inflammation. This inflammation can be caused by trauma to oral tissue or by an infection. If the inflammation is caused by trauma, the dentist may remove or make minor adjust the dental crown. If the inflammation is caused by infection, an antibiotic can usually eliminate the bacteria, allowing the inflammation to heal.
Inflammation can lead to loss of bone and cause the dental implant to fail in some instances. In other instances, bone loss occurs due to dental implant overload, which is usually caused by poor design and placement of the device. If bone loss occurs, the issue may be treatable with a bone graft to strengthen the bone and replace the bone that has been lost.
Another problem that can occur after dental implant surgery is the opening of the incision. This may occur for a variety of reasons, such as not following the aftercare instructions properly. The dentist can reset the incision if this occurs.
In rare cases, the body can reject the dental implant. Rejection occurs because the body mistakes the implant for a foreign object or a harmful intrusion. Dental implants are made from bio-compatible materials, such as titanium, so rejection is usually rare. When rejection of the dental implant occurs, however, the dental implant may need to be removed and another remedy may be needed to replace the lost tooth, such as a dental bridge.
Your dentist will take precautions to place the implant correctly to avoid trauma or infection. However, like any surgical procedure, issues and side effects may arise. It is essential to follow the dentist's aftercare instructions completely and to attend all of your follow-up appointments. This will greatly lower your chances of experiencing side effects or problems.
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Our Beverly Hills dental implants dentist, can provide you with more information about tooth replacement with dental implants.
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