Dental implants risks and complications

By Dr. Azim Malik
Specialist Periodontist and Implant Surgeon

RISKS OF IMPLANT SURGERY

Surgery is all about respecting anatomy.

In implant surgery, there is the possibility of damage to nerves and blood vessels.

But it’s important to stress the risk is extremely low when surgery is performed by a skilled, experienced oral surgeon.

So, for example, in the top of the mouth, there is a risk to the sinuses.

In the lower mouth, the risk would be to the nerves.

As I said, the risk is extremely low with an experienced oral surgeon.

Dental implants infection after surgery

A complication more commonly associated with implant surgery would be postoperative infection.

Such infections would usually be treated with antibiotics.

A lot depends on what the patient needs.

The risks and complications can vary depending on the nature and complexity of the implant surgery.

Types of dental implant surgery

Sometimes implant surgery can mean a 40-minute operation to place an implant.

If the patient has adequate bone, we can numb the patient up, drill and put the implant in.

And in 40 minutes you’re done.

But sometimes it can take a long time.

For example, if we need to add bone then we may have to leave it for six months to mature before we can then place an implant.

Resolving dental implant complications

These complications are the same as in any surgery – from a cut in the hand through to open heart surgery.

The risks are always the same – pain, infection, bleeding, swelling.

It's important to note that, in implant surgery, most complications can be resolved easily.
A complication will not usually mean a detrimental result.

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