Dental Implants Problems
Dental implants are costly jaw bone fixtures that are meant to last long and carry out the functions of the natural teeth. Hence they are inserted with care. But things can go wrong unexpectedly. Given below is a list of
11 Critical Dental Implants Problems.
1. Long Healing Period
Dental implants can take anywhere between 3 months to 6 month to set tight. The healing period and its success depend on the bone mass and its quality. The health of the patient receiving the implant must be at an optimum level to enable quick recovery. The long period of recovery forces many to opt for alternative methods.
2. Insufficient Bone Mass
If a patient has less bone mass then the osseo integration process will be delayed and the implant will not set properly. This process is the bonding of the implant with the surrounding bone mass and it occurs as the jaw bone slowly builds around the implant. In the absence of sufficient bone mass, there will not be enough building of jaw bone and the implant will become loose under pressure. Bone grafting will help to some extent in such cases.
3. Dental Implant Infection
Infections can be caused by the bacteria already residing in the bone, the surrounding gum tissue or introduced with the contaminated implant. Diseases like mucositis and peri-implantitis can ruin the implant requiring treatment and a possible re-implant. This can happen if the implant is used to support dentures. In such cases, strict oral hygiene regimen is required to be followed. Among dental implant problems infection causes the most damage.
4. Bruxism
The habit of grinding of the teeth or the clenching of the teeth is known as Bruxism. This habit applies pressure on the teeth sometimes laterally or at an angle that can loosen the implant. This process can also crush the crown on the implant. Some people often grind their teeth or clench them tightly while sleeping which can affect the implant. In such cases, the dentist may place a splint along the implant or may advise the use of mouth guards to reduce and distribute the pressure and to protect the implant.
5. Smoking
Smoking interferes with the post surgery recovery phase. It impedes the flow of blood to the affected part thus slowing the healing process and increasing the time required for healing. The slow healing process opens the risk of failure of the osseo integration process.
6. Overloading
Overloading occurs when a single or fewer implants are used to support a large denture or bridge. This applies immense pressure on the implant which disrupts the osseo integration process. This can also result in inflammation around the implant and ultimately the breakage of the implant. Dentists and orthodontists sometimes use cheap implants or lesser number of implants to save costs and to make a better, affordable offer to their patient. When cheaper implants made of inferior quality are used, they may break as may not be able to withstand the pressure of biting.
7. Immediate Loading
If the orthodontist places the crown on the implants immediately after laying it then it’s called immediate loading. This is not an advisable process as it will force the newly laid implant to bear a lot of pressure. If this process is adopted, then the dentist must lay the crown in such a manner that it does not lay pressure on the newly laid implant. The crown must be aligned correctly with the surrounding teeth to distribute the pressure equally. Immediate loading often results in the disruption of the bonding of the implant with the jaw bone which leads to a loose implant.
8. Poor Health of the Patient
A person who is in poor health will have difficulty in recovering from the dental implant surgery. Health issues like improper blood pressure, diabetes, cancer and any other form of illness that impedes blood flow to the implant, delay the healing process.
9. Incorrect Positioning
If the implant is laid tilted or if the crown is laid at an angle then it results in pressure on the implant and the crown. This will result in loose implant. This can also lead to the breakage of the implant as well as the crown. Hence care is needed while inserting implants.
10. Fractured Implant
An implant may fracture as a result of pressure applied on it. Even strong implants may suffer from stress fracture. A fractured implant will be loose or might break into pieces. Such an implant must be removed and replaced with a new implant which means additional cost to the patient and repeat work for the orthodontist.
11. Rejection of the Implant
Rejection of the implant often occurs after an infection. Other factors that can lead to the rejection of the dental implant are – bruxism (the habit of grinding the teeth), overloading, insufficient mass of the jaw bone or impeded blood supply to the implant region.
All these dental implants problems may necessitate of repeat surgery.