Transform your smile with full-mouth dental implants. Learn risks and success rates, and find a dentist near you for safe implant procedures.
Getting full-mouth dental implants can transform your smile and chewing ability. However, like any major dental procedure, full mouth implants carry potential risks and complications to be aware of. When done correctly, entire arch dental implant success rates are generally very high. However, it’s still important to understand the possible issues that can arise.
Infection
An infection after implant placement is rare but possible. Signs include pain, swelling, redness, bleeding, or sour taste from the implant site. Infection is less likely with good oral hygiene and antibiotics before and after surgery. Call your dentist near me immediately if you notice signs of illness for prompt treatment.
Nerve injury
The mandibular nerve runs through the lower jaw, while the maxillary nerve is in the upper jaw. Full-mouth dental implants require drilling into the jawbones, which can damage these nerves. This can cause numbness or altered sensation in the lips, chin, gums, or surrounding areas that may be temporary or permanent. Proper planning helps avoid nerve injury.
Sinus problems
The maxillary sinuses are placed above the upper back teeth. During full upper arch implants, membrane perforation or bone grafting near the sinuses can cause sinusitis or other issues. Symptoms like sinus pressure, congestion, or drainage may occur. Usually, this resolves once healing occurs. Extreme complications like sinus infections are uncommon.
Bone graft failure
Many patients need bone grafting before full arch implants to augment thin or deficient jawbone. The grafted bone may fail to integrate properly. This can lead to inadequate bone volume for implant placement. Another bone graft may be necessary to create sufficient bone density and stability for the implants.
Implant failure
Dental implants can fail to incorporate with the jawbone, often due to poor osseointegration. This is typically noticed soon after placement when mobility is detected during healing. Implant failure rates are generally very low. If it occurs, the implant must be removed, and bone grafting must be done before placing another implant.
Aesthetic issues
Full arch implant restorations involve multiple prosthetic teeth fixed to the implants. Despite a dentist’s best efforts, aesthetic problems can result, such as visible implant crown edges or poor imitation of natural tooth contours and shades. Aesthetic restoration revisions may be needed if the appearance is unsatisfactory.
Bone loss
After implants integrate, it’s possible to experience gradual bone loss around them over time. This can lead to implant instability. Poor oral hygiene and occlusal overloading often contribute to bone loss. Regular dental visits for maintenance and avoiding teeth grinding help prevent bone loss issues.
Peri-implantitis
This inflammatory gum infection occurs around a dental implant, usually due to the buildup of bacterial plaque. Signs include red, swollen, bleeding gums around an implant. Like periodontitis around natural teeth, peri-implantitis can cause progressive bone loss, leading to implant failure. Regular cleanings and plaque removal help avoid peri-implantitis.
Restorative failure
The prosthetic teeth attached to full-mouth implants may suffer damage or breakage over time. Factors like biting on hard foods, teeth grinding, traumatic injury, or improper occlusal alignment can contribute to vital failures. Replacing broken implant teeth or other components may become necessary.
Careful treatment planning, proper surgical techniques, and good oral hygiene practices help minimize risks when getting full-mouth dental implants. However, even with the best care, some complications can occur. Follow your dentist closely in Temecula’s post-op instructions to support healing and long-term implant success. Report any concerning symptoms or problems promptly for evaluation. You can enjoy your life-like implant smile safely and confidently with vigilant home care and regular dental visits.