Creating A Perfect Smile Creating A Perfect Smile

Dental implants can give those with missing teeth a new smile and increased confidence. They appear natural and very carefree. Though most people never experience anything but perfection after dental implant surgery, issues can pop up occasionally. If you recognize the problem, you can act quickly to easily rectify things. Read on to find out more. 

Bonding Problems

Although dental implants are meant to last almost a lifetime, your bones have no such guarantee. Your dental implant is anchored to your jawbone. In most cases, the post attached to the crown of the implant is sunk into the jawbone beneath your gums. The implant post is meant to bond with the surrounding bones. However, age, medication, medical conditions, and more can cause the bones that hold the implant to soften with time. When that occurs, your implant may become loose. 

Fast action is vital if you notice a loosening implant. Your dentist can take action, but waiting too long could invite bacteria into your gums and cause a dangerous infection. The actions your dentist takes depend on your unique circumstances. Some possible remedies include:

• Removing the implant and reinserting it using a shorter or much longer post.
• Having bone grafting surgery to add bone material to your jawbones and then having your implant reinserted once the jawbone has healed. 

Discomfort

It may take a few weeks to become accustomed to your new implant. In many cases, the implant is filling a space that was unoccupied for some time. There can be a bit of discomfort in the gum area near the implant. Ask your dentist about over-the-counter pain relief and follow up if the pain is still present after several days. Phone immediately if you experience numbness, fever, or nausea. 

Sinus Pain

Sinus cavities exist all over your face, including in your jaw area. In fact, what can feel like tooth pain could be a sinus infection and has nothing to do with your gums or teeth. In rare cases, though, the implant post can impinge on a sinus cavity and cause pain. In some people, the sinus cavity is extremely close to the location of the implant post. If your sinus cavity is involved, your dentist can adjust the implant post slightly to rectify that issue.

For questions about anything out of the ordinary after a dental implant procedure, speak to your dentist. Acting quickly could prevent the problem from becoming worse.

Reach out to a dentist for more information about dental implants.