Dental implants have been used to replace missing teeth since the 1960s and thanks to their extensive track record, are generally 95% successful when placed in eligible patients. There are some problems or side effects that can occur with implants, but these are typically mild and manageable. At Tooth Implants Sydney we find that the best way to manage dental implant treatment problems is through digital dental implants.
Dental Implants Don’t Work For Everyone
Part of the risk management involved in a dental implant procedure is screening patients because implants aren’t an ideal tooth replacement for everyone. In order to be eligible for a dental implant you need to meet certain criteria, which include:
- Having enough jaw bone to anchor the implant, or be able to have a bone graft procedure
- Having healthy gums and soft tissue
- Being free of conditions and diseases which affect your body’s ability to heal itself
- Being a non-smoker
The Biggest Risks Involved In Dental Implants
Problems with dental implants are few and usually manageable when you have achieved the eligibility criteria and are in close contact with your dentist.
The main risks associated with implants include
- Developing an infection at the site of the dental implant
- An injury to the blood vessels or teeth surrounding the site
- Problems with your sinuses if your implants penetrate a sinus cavity.
How Digital Dental Implants Can Manage Dental Implant Surgery Problems
Reduce your chances of infection
In order for your dental implant surgery to be successful, you need to follow a sequence of events that may include
- Removing your damaged tooth
- Preparing your jaw (bone grafting if required)
- Placing your dental implant
- Osseo-integration and healing
- Placing your abutment
- Placing your crown
Preparing your jaw bone, placing your dental implant and placing the abutment all require your dentist to re-open the incision, which makes you more vulnerable to infection.
One of the reasons we love digital implants is that they help us manage risk effectively. A digital dental implant procedure does not require an incision to be made, because your dental practitioner will punch holes into your jaw bone.
This means that there is much less bleeding and a lower likelihood of swelling, thus reducing your chance of developing an infection.
Computer-guided dental implant placement means greater accuracy
By making use of computer-guided technology, our dental practitioners can ensure a more accurate surgery, meaning that injuries to surrounding teeth, blood vessels and sinuses can be avoided.
Working with an experienced dentist can manage dental implant risks before they turn into problems with dental implants. As we mentioned earlier, pre-screening is very important to avoid a situation where an implant is placed in a patient who is predisposed to problems.
Planning Makes A Difference
An experienced dental practitioner understands the importance of taking digital photographs and the appropriate x-rays. This helps immensely with the planning process, and a well planned dental implant procedure has a much higher chance of success.
A medical history review is also important to establish whether you have any pre-existing or unmanaged health conditions that can affect the outcome of the surgery, or your body’s ability to heal itself. An experienced practitioner will enquire about any medications and supplements you might be taking, and whether you have a heart condition or orthopaedic implants.
Thorough planning is required for your dentist to create a treatment plan, focused on replacing your missing teeth in the most comfortable, long term way for you.
Working with an experienced and skilled dental practitioner can help you manage potential implant problems effectively. Working with a practitioner who specialises in digital dental implants can really help manage your risk, and provide you with a tooth replacement that can last for the rest of your lifetime with proper care.
Do you have questions or concerns about potential dental implant treatment problems? It’s always best to get professional advice about dental implants first-hand. Please contact our practice for an appointment: (02) 9158 6328
