Planning for Success by Reducing Risks
The Woodstock General & Implant Dentistry staff follow strict guidelines in the planning, surgical, and postoperative phases of treatment that significantly reduce the risks associated with dental implant surgery.
However, every surgery comes with risks which may result in:
Infection at the Incision Site
The gums, underlying bone, and surrounding tissues at the incision site are susceptible to infection following a surgical procedure. It is important to strictly follow all post-operative instructions and practice good oral hygiene habits to remove bacteria in the treatment area. This ensures that your new dental implants are kept clean and prevent you from developing any complications.
Sinus Complications
When an implant is placed in the back, upper quadrant of the mouth, occasionally the post can cause problems with the maxillary sinus. Dr. Patch is adamant that all of our patients have computerized tomography (CT) scan done before their procedure. This allows us to determine the amount of healthy bone available to support the implant. To protect against potential sinus problems before the surgery, some patients will need to undergo sinus lifting and bone grafting procedures.
Damage to Surrounding Tissues and Nerves
Dental implant placement has the potential to injure or cause damage to the surrounding teeth, gums, bone, or blood vessels. This is another reason that Dr. Patch insists on CT scanning for every case. By obtaining a comprehensive picture of the underlying structures of the mouth, we are able to plan and precisely place each implant with great accuracy. This ensures that each implant receives the necessary support without interfering with the surrounding tissues.
Implant Failure
After your surgery, the implant is allowed to heal and fuse with the bone for several months in a process called osseointegration. If fusing is insufficient and the implant remains loose or falls out, it is considered a failure and must be removed and replaced in an additional procedure. That’s why it’s crucial to pay attention to your new implants and to notify Dr. Patch if there are any serious issues with the healing process.