Lester M. Lubitz D.D.S. & Richard E. Lamping D.D.S.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 513.769.5545 Sharonville 513.677.3003 Mason
Risks and Complications Dental implant surgery has a high rate of success, but as with any surgical procedure, certain side effects or complications are possible. You should understand these before you consent to implant surgery. Your surgeon will answer any questions you have about the following possible risks. Swelling is a normal reaction to any surgical procedure and the amount of swelling depends on how extensive the surgery was. Normal swelling should peak within about 48 hours, then gradually subside. If swelling worsens after 48 hours, contact your surgeon. Bruising occasionally develops in areas close to the surgical site. Any discoloration from bruising should disappear within a few days following surgery. Moderate pain is common for 24-48 hours following surgery, and pain medication may be required. If intense pain persists that cannot be relieved by prescribed pain medication, contact your surgeon. Trismus or stiffness of the jaw muscles, may be caused by swelling following surgery. As the swelling decreases, trismus should disappear. Infection is very rare following implant surgery, but occasionally an infection can occur. If fever, persistent swelling/ pain or pus develops following surgery, contact your surgeon immediately. There is always a potential that an implant may fail. This can be caused by a number of factors, among them are rejection by the body or inadequate maintenance by the patient following surgery Injuries can potentially occur to adjacent teeth and roots, fillings or bridgework. Loss or alteration of nerve sensation, resulting in numbness or a tingling sensation in the lower lip, tongue, cheek, chin, gums or teeth is rare but can occur if implants are placed in the lower jaw and a nearby nerve is irritated. Usually this is temporary, although in very rare cases it can be permanent. Every precaution is taken by your surgeon to avoid these nerves. Sinus complications, such as drainage or pain (sinusitis), occasionally occur if implants are placed in the upper jaw and the sinuses become involved. This may or may not require further treatment, but any sinus symptoms should be reported to your surgeon. Bleeding can be expected following any type of surgery, but it should be easily controlled and consist of occasional oozing during the first 24-48 hours. In the rare instance that bleeding is excessive or prolonged, contact your surgeon immediately. TMJ (Jaw Joint) pain or abnormal function is rare following implant surgery, but this can occur. If it does, further treatment may be necessary. Bone loss is rare, but may occur around the implant if proper hygiene is not maintained or if excessive stress is placed on the implant. Jaw Fracture - In very rare cases the manipulations required for placement of the implants in the lower jaw can fracture the jawbone, particularly if the jaw is thin. X-rays will reveal the location of the fracture, and your oral and maxillofacial surgeon can treat the problem. .... |
