Introduction
There are basically hardly any risks involved in the use of dental implants – nevertheless, many patients are very concerned about possible risks and therefore find it difficult to make the decision to have a dental implantation. The insertion of dental implants is a surgical procedure that is usually, but not always, performed under local anesthesia. If the implantation of the dental implants is performed under general anesthesia, there are general risks of general anesthesia.
During and shortly after the anesthesia, the cardiovascular system and breathing may be impaired. In addition, there is always the risk of secondary bleeding or wound infections in the surgical area. In the special case of the insertion of dental implants there is a risk of nerve injury, especially the large lower jaw nerve (nervus alveolaris inferior) is affected.
In rare cases, wound healing disorders may occur. Learn more about this on our main page: Wound healing disorder in the toothIn the first few days after the operation, the patient usually feels slight to moderate pain in the treated section of the jaw, and in most cases swelling and bruising occur. In addition, chewing with the dental implant places a significant additional load on the temporomandibular joint.
This is due to the fact that a “normal” tooth does not grow firmly into the jawbone, but is rather suspended by small fibers (Sharpey fibers). These Sharpey fibers ensure that the tooth is cushioned when pressure is applied (for example when chewing) and the jawbone is less stressed. This reduction in load is also noticeable in the temporomandibular joint.
In the upper jaw there is also the risk that the maxillary sinus is opened during the implantation of the dental implants, which then has to be covered plastically. Probably the biggest risk is the loss of the dental implant. It may be necessary to remove the dental implant, especially if the implant does not heal properly or if inflammation occurs.
