November 8, 2024
Dental implants have life-changing effects both on your oral health as well as your aesthetics. Implants are the closest when it comes to natural teeth and look and function like normal teeth. They help in preserving your smile, enhancing your confidence and letting you enjoy your favourite foods.
Getting a dental implant is a minor surgical procedure that involves putting a metal post into your jawbone and adding a crown on the top.
If you are about to get dental implantsyou may be worried about the possible side effects of dental implants and how you can best prepare for your new teeth.
We have put together this article to put you at ease and answer any questions that you might have about dental implant side effects and how to prevent them.
What are the Side Effects of Dental Implants?
The dental implant procedure is extremely safe and its side effects, although rare, may occur in some individuals. Knowing the signs and symptoms of side effects of dental implants will help you spot them early and get treatment before they get worse. If safety is your main concern, our post on whether dental implants are safe is a useful companion read.
Visible Side Effects of Dental Implants
Bleeding
Being a surgical procedure, it is normal to expect some bleeding after a dental implant surgery. However, if the bleeding is persistent or you experience it without a trigger, you must immediately contact the dentist.
Swelling
Swelling or inflammation is common after a dental implant procedure. It usually occurs around the gums at the site of the implant and in the facial tissues closest to the implant. Usually, swelling goes away on its own. It can be easily minimised by placing an ice pack three to four times a day.
Loose Implants
Another common side effect of dental implants is that they may get loose or move. This usually feels like a wiggle and requires an adjustment by the dentist immediately.
Allergies
If you experience an allergic reaction including redness or swelling of the gums around the implant site, it may be due to certain material sensitivities. However, this side effect of dental implants is rare as dentists run tests to know about your allergies to metals.
Invisible Side Effects of Dental Implants
Numbness
Some patients may feel numbness or tingling around their implant site even after the effects of anaesthesia fade away. This is a common side effect and goes away on its own.
Pain
It is normal to experience pain after a dental implant procedure, and using the painkillers that the dentist may have prescribed usually helps this pain subside. Our guide to dental implant pain factors explains what influences how much you feel.
If the pain escalates or persists, we recommend that you consult the dentist to look for signs of infection or improper placement of the implant.
Sinus Issues
At times, improper placement of the implant may lead to sinus problems. This happens because the implant may intrude into the sinus cavity and lead to headaches and other symptoms of a sinus infection.
Preventive Measures for Dental Implant Side Effects
Now that you know the side effects of dental implants and how they can be discomforting, it is essential to equip yourself with preventive strategies to avoid the side effects.
- Make sure to inform the dentist of your pre-existing medical conditions and any medications that you might be taking. This helps in preventing the side effects and early healing.
- Maintain a regular oral hygiene routine to prevent bacteria and plaque build-up. Booking a regular hygiene appointment will go a long way in preventing infections at the site of the dental implant surgery.
- Adhere to the doctor’s aftercare instructions. They usually guide their patients to only eat soft foods for at least a week after the procedure, avoid excessive exercise, and brush their teeth gently.
- Avoid smoking to prevent the delay in healing and keep your gums healthy.
- Attend the scheduled follow-up meetings with the dentist. This helps in monitoring the healing process of your dental implant and lets the dentist make adjustments if necessary.
Choosing the Right Dentist for Your Implants
One of the best ways to prevent the side effects of dental implants is to choose an experienced and qualified dentist who has a great track record of conducting successful dental implants like Complete Smiles. Our post on what to know before your first implant appointment will help you prepare.
Contact us today to learn more about how we have helped thousands of people with their dental implant surgeries while making their smiles perfect and boosting their oral health and confidence.
Dr. Malavi Sivakanesan (292322)
Dr. Malavi Sivakanesan is the principal dentist and co-founder at Complete Smiles in Harrow, Greater London. She is responsible for establishing the Complete Smiles brand throughout the United Kingdom and Europe and has 5 successful practices under her strong leadership.