Complications

Complications with rapid loading are rare and generally not serious. Once the implants have embedded themselves properly, it is our experience that they never come out. Research has shown that periimplantitis (inflammation around the implant with resulting bone loss and ultimately, loss of the implant) is not a serious risk with the implants we use (3i implant innovations), and may not occur at all any more.

One or more implants may be lost during the growing in phase. Fortunately, this is very rare (5% of implants in the upper jaw, about 2% for the lower jaw). Since more than enough implants are placed to make a bridge possible (we aim for 8 in the upper and 6 in the lower jaw), one or two implants not growing in properly generally isn?t a problem. If it is, new implants can always be placed, if necessary after a bone transplant. If the patient doesn?t give up, we always succeed in creating a new bridge.

Smoking is a serious risk factor. Smoking decreases blood flow in the wound area, which disrupts wound healing. After bone transplants and implant placement, this can mean loss of both bone and implants. Because of this, we strongly advise patients not to smoke in the three weeks before and the three weeks after the operation, as we cannot be held responsible for the consequences.

Not a complication, but a side-effect of implants is that patients have a hard time judging how hard they bite down. This can lead to synthetic resin teeth coming loose. These can be fixed in place again, but some patients develop such strong chewing forces that it can be necessary to move to a ceramic bridge. This has some very real financial consequences; ceramic bridges are expensive.

During implantation in the lower jaw, the risk of damage to the nerve that supplies the lower lip and chin with sensation exists. This only occurs very rarely. Patients generally get used to the lack of sensation on the short or medium term (1-2 years), and don?t even notice the lack of feeling in one lower lip and chin half. The older the patient, however, the greater the chance that this loss of sensation will continue to be experienced as unpleasant.

Bone transplants are not always completely successful. A great deal of bone may be lost, particularly if the patient smokes. The result of this is that we have to make do with fewer implants. Sometimes the amount of bone after transplant is sufficient, but the quality is not. We see this from time to time in patients with low bone mass (osteoporosis). Rapid loading is not possible in these cases. The implants will first need to grow in place for 3-4 months.

Wound infections are also a possibility. A spot with decreased sensation on the buttock is normal. Some patients suffer from significant pain after bone transplants, but generally the amount of pain is surprisingly small.

Particularly after the bone transplant, but also after implantation to a lesser degree, the patient?s face may exhibit significant swelling. Most patients will want to avoid normal social traffic during the two weeks following the operation. After bone transplants, the reason for this is swelling and general discomfort, after implants this is because the patient has no teeth on the jaw in question for 2 weeks following the operation.

Other complications, such as dull sensation elsewhere in the face or mouth and wound healing problems are of a transitory nature.

Finally, there are the (very rare) complications associated with any surgical procedures conducted under general anaesthesia.