Side Effects of Dental Implants

Tooth loss can feel like a serious setback. The loss of even one tooth can reduce your ability to speak and chew with confidence. Dental implants offer a safe and permanent tooth-replacement treatment option. Once your implant or implants are placed you can be fitted with an implant-supported crown, bridge, partial, or denture. 

Under the expert care of Dr. John Goodman, who has practiced dentistry for more than 25 years, your oral surgery at our Kansas City, MO, office will be performed with your safety and health in mind. As with any oral surgery, certain dental implant side effects are to be expected. Dr. Goodman takes time to discuss common side effects with his patients and steps that can be taken to lower your risk of complications. 

Does Everyone Experience Side Effects?

Dr. Goodman will ensure that your oral surgery is performed using advanced technology and procedures so you experience minimal side effects. However, some swelling, bleeding, and other side effects are still a normal part of surgery. 

Patients should expect some level of discomfort and swelling after their dental implant is placed. Each patient will experience side effects differently due to age, health, the number of implants placed, and other factors. 

While there is no way to predict how your body will react to the procedure, understanding common side effects and taking proactive steps to prevent them can make dental implant placement a more pleasant experience. 

Common Symptoms after Surgery

The following side effects are common and should not be cause for concern. These typically diminish in a few days after treatment.

Bleeding

Significant bleeding is rare following this treatment. Dr. Goodman will carefully suture any incisions before you are released to return home. Gauze will be placed over the treatment site. This step promotes clotting and healing. Most patients will experience minimal bleeding that completely subsides after a day or two at most. 

Discomfort

Discomfort is one of the most common side effects patients experience following surgery. Dental implant placement requires that incisions are made in your gums and small holes are created in the jawbone. Discomfort during your procedure is controlled using local anesthesia that completely numbs the tissue and bone near the treatment site. 

Following surgery at our Kansas City, MO, practice, Dr. Goodman will provide directions for over-the-counter pain relievers. He may also prescribe medications that reduce discomfort in the hours and days following treatment. 

Swelling

Swelling is a natural bodily reaction to oral surgery. In fact, the inflammatory phase of healing attracts white blood cells and other cells that promote healing and prevent infection. Once you have sufficiently healed, your body will naturally lower this natural reaction to oral surgery. 

Bruising

Though it may look unattractive, bruising is not a cause for alarm. Anytime blood vessels break or are incised, small amounts of blood that are released will darken in color under the skin. As your body reabsorbs the blood, the appearance of your skin will return to normal. 

Preventative Steps to Lower the Risk of Side Effects

Simple steps can reduce your risk of side effects and the amount of time you experience them. Dr. Goodman will provide you with detailed recovery guidelines that are to be followed closely. Patients should take antibiotics and other forms of prescribed medication regularly. 

Please report any sudden increase in side effect symptoms to our team. A spike in pain or bleeding may be a sign of a potential complication. 

Restore Your Smile with Dental Implants

Concerns about side effects should not hold you back from the life-changing benefits of dental implants. Dr. Goodman has more than two decades of professional experience performing safe and effective restorative treatments. To schedule your dental implant consultation, please contact our Kansas City office online or call (816) 842-8585.