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What Are Common Tooth Implant Problems?

A tooth implant is an effective way to replace a lost tooth, but it can potentially lead to a range of dental implant problems and side effects. 

Learn more about the tooth implant procedure and consult with a dentist to determine if this process is right for your child, or call Kool Smiles today to speak with our experts.

What Is Dental Implant Surgery?

Dental implant surgery is performed to replace a lost tooth. This procedure has many steps and requires several surgeries before it’s fully completed.

It involves replacing the tooth’s roots with metal, screw-like posts, and then replacing the damaged or missing tooth with a fake, natural-looking tooth.

tooth implant problems can lead to dental implant surgery

What Are the Risks of Tooth Implants?

Although there’s a high success rate for implants, there are some dental implant issues that can occur, including:

  • Long healing process—The healing process for dental implant surgery can take many months because the bone must heal tightly around the implant. 
  • Implant failure—One of the top causes of implant failure is smoking. All patients, young and old, should avoid smoking or chewing tobacco after your procedure.
  • Loose implants that fall out—This happens when the jawbone doesn’t fuse properly with the implant. Damage to the surrounding tissue can cause this problem. Your dentist will be able to put the implant back in place.
  • Infections—To prevent infections after treatment, practice proper dental hygiene habits, like brushing twice a day and flossing once a day.
  • Sinus problems—These issues arise because the implants placed in the upper jaw are protruding into one of the sinus cavities. This can be fixed with surgery. 
  • Allergic reactions—Most implants are made of titanium and nickel. In rare cases, some patients can have an allergic reaction to titanium.

tooth implant problems

Recommended Age for Tooth Implants

To reduce the risk of tooth implant problems, the earliest recommended age for tooth implants is:

  • 17 years old for males
  • 15 years old for females

These recommendations are based on when males and females stop growing. Females are more likely to finish growing at an earlier age, meaning they can usually get dental implants to replace lost teeth sooner.

While a child is still growing, his or her upper jaw moves in a downward and forward direction, causing the upper jaw’s teeth to move with it.

If tooth implants are put in too early, the implants won’t move with the jawbone since implants attach to the bone differently than natural teeth. This could leave the child with teeth that are longer than his or her natural teeth.

Call Kool Smiles Today

If you have any questions about dental implants or possible tooth implant problems, call your local Kool Smiles office to schedule a consultation with your dentist today.

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Sources:

Mayo Clinic – Why Have Dental Implant Surgery: http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/dental-implant-surgery/basics/why-its-done/prc-20009052

Mayo Clinic – Dental Implant Surgery Definition: http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/dental-implant-surgery/basics/definition/prc-20009052

Dental Implant Cost Guide: http://www.dentalimplantcostguide.com/problems/

Mayo Clinic – Dental Implant Surgery Risks: http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/dental-implant-surgery/basics/risks/prc-20009052

EmpowHER: http://www.empowher.com/community/share/can-children-get-dental-implants

Dentistry & Oral Health: http://www.deardoctor.com/inside-the-magazine/issue-20/dental-implants-for-teenagers/