Sometimes dental implant problems, years later, can occur and can cause significant pain. And sometimes, for various reasons, they can occur years later. Generally, the problem is quickly resolved by a simple visit to the dentist who will diagnose the problem and provide the appropriate response. Let’s look at this problem in detail to understand it and bring the right solution.
I. Signs of Dental Implant Problems Years Later
1. Receding Gum
Gum recession is one of the signs of dental implant failure. You may notice, even years later, that your gums are receding inside your mouth.
To notice this, you should pay attention to your teeth, which will appear longer.
2. Gum Inflammation
When you get a dental implant, the gums are put under a lot of stress. Even though the implant may seem to be successful for the first few months, years later your gums may become inflamed and painful.
The implant may have irritated the gum tissue.
3. Pain
Pain is one of the most common symptoms of problems with a dental implant. While it is normal to feel pain in the first few days after placement, it should not last.
If you experience tooth or gum pain years later, your implant may have something to do with it.
4. Bad appearance of the implant
This is another type of problem you can have with your implants. Over time, it is not uncommon for the appearance of the implant to change.
For example, the implant may become discolored. Don’t overlook the overall condition of your implant, even if there are no other signs.
5. Difficulties in chewing
Implants are installed to take the place of natural teeth. This means that they are supposed to allow you to chew food.
When your implant no longer fulfills this function and you have problems chewing, you should seek help.
6. Bleeding gums
Many dental implants affect the gums. Years after your implant was placed, you may find that your gums are painful and bleeding.
The implant may have had something to do with this, perhaps it moved and injured your gums.
7. A loose Implant
A properly installed implant mimics natural teeth and therefore does not move. When you feel that your implant is moving, there is a problem. Go back to your orthodontist for a check-up.
II. Reasons for Dental Implant Problems Years Later
1. Bad pose by the dentist
The placement of a dental implant is a surgical procedure. This means that you must be sure that you have gone to a professional in the field.
If an amateur does the placement, or if your dentist does not follow the rules, then you may have problems later on.
2. Problem of Osteointegration
This is the non-colonization of the implant surface by bone cells. It is not strictly speaking a question of rejection.
In the case of osseointegration problems, the connections that were originally intended to be made between the implant surface and the bone cells are not made.
3. Peri-implantitis problem
The problem of peri-implantitis occurs when there are bacteria in the area between the implant and the flesh. These bacteria cause inflammation.
This manifests itself years later as a depression in the implant area.
4. Dental implant that moves
If your dental implant starts to move, then it may be the cause of a problem in your mouth.
A moving dental implant can injure the gums and inflame them. This is a problem that should not be overlooked and requires consultation.
5. Allergic reaction of the jaw
The prosthesis is installed in the jaw. It is not uncommon that, despite all the examinations carried out, your jaw may reject it.
It is possible that the prosthesis materials are unsuitable for the jaw. The jaw may then become inflamed.
6. Sinus problems
Because some teeth are connected to the sinuses, it can happen that during the implantation of the implant, the screw inserted in the gum pierces the maxillary sinus. By penetrating the bone in this way, the implant can cause an infection.
7. Smoking
Smoking is one of the risks of dental implantation. If you smoke after your implant placement, then you are interfering with the healing and implantation of the prosthesis.
Nicotine and other elements in cigarettes are harmful to the health of the jaw and mouth.
8. Insufficient jaw bone
Implantation of a prosthesis requires enough bone in the jaw. It is the jawbone that will support the prosthesis.
For this reason, if your jaw does not have enough bone and if a bone graft is not made, then your prosthesis will not fit.
9. Bad dental maintenance
Once the denture is installed, you must also take care of it. One of the dangers of dental implants is how patients care for them afterward.
Whether the denture is removable or fixed, there are methods to ensure it is cleaned.
10. Nerve or tissue damage
It is possible that the inferior alveolar nerve may be affected during the placement of the implant. This nerve runs from the lip or the chin through the lower jaw.
It can be damaged by a technical error or by edema.
III. Are there any remedies for dental implant problems years later?
The solution for a dental implant problem years later depends on the problem and its cause. Once you have noticed the problem, go see your orthodontist.
He or she will know how to proceed. But it is better to prevent than to cure, by having irreproachable dental hygiene.
Note that sometimes, in rare cases, the implant will be completely removed to be replaced by another solution such as a dental bridge or simply a removable dental appliance.
IV. How to avoid problems with dental implants
The first step in avoiding problems with dental implants is to take care of your oral hygiene.
Follow your dentist’s instructions, and avoid hot foods after surgery. You should also avoid smoking, at least for the first few months.
Also, you should not hesitate to go see your dentist as soon as the problem appears. You must not let it get worse.
V. Other Questions about dental implant problems years later
1. How can a dental implant cause pain?
Dental implants can be painful, at least after placement. The placement itself is done under anesthesia and therefore does not cause pain.
But because the dental implant requires working on the gums, it is normal to feel some discomfort afterward.
2. What are the alternatives to a dental implant?
Dental implants are not the only way to solve the problem of missing teeth. They are a few alternatives for dental implants.
You can opt for a dental bridge, for example. There are different types of bridges. The traditional bridge or the bridge with resin bonding.
3. How Long Can You Expect To Feel Pain after Implant Surgery?
For a few days after your denture is placed, you may experience some pain and bruising.
After a dental implant is placed, you will experience some discomfort and pain. But this usually does not last long.
4. Why there are complications from dental implants in the elderly?
Over time, the jaws become more fragile, especially because the bones become weaker. This is one of the reasons why older people experience complications from dental implants.
Not to mention that some remedies can harm dental implants by causing dry mouth.
5. What is the average lifespan of a dental implant?
Depending on the manufacturer, you can keep your dental implants for between 10 and 15 years. But if you don’t have any particular problems, you can keep your implants for life, or at least much longer.
6. Can dental implants be removed and replaced?
There are indeed cases where dental implants can be removed and replaced. For example, if Osseo integration fails, it is normal for the implant to be removed and another one placed in its place.
7. Do dental implants shorten your life?
As with any operation, there are health risks. You can get infections or have an allergy.
But dental implants are not known to shorten your life expectancy.
8. Can you get a cavity on an implant?
Dental implants have artificial roots that are inserted into the gums like screws. These types of false teeth cannot get tooth decay because decay affects natural teeth.
9. Can dental implants cause neurological problems?
Teeth are connected to nerves. Dental implants can affect the trigeminal nerve in particular.
Nerve damage is one of the risks of this type of surgery and can have neurological consequences.
10. Do dental implants need to be removed for cleaning?
Dental implants do not need to be removed for cleaning, at least not if we are talking about fixed dental implants. Removing them is equivalent to dental surgery with possible complications that are best avoided.
Teeth inserted in the gum can be brushed just like other teeth.
11. Can dental implants cause a stroke?
Dental problems can cause many health concerns. However, it is not known that dental implants can cause a stroke.
People who have suffered a stroke are not allowed to have dental implants.
12. How often should dental implants be checked?
To keep your dental implants as long as possible, they should be checked at least once a year.
Of course, if you have any particular concerns, such as pain or redness of the gums, you should see your dentist.
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A dental implant (also known as an endosseous implant or fixture)