Complications from dental implants are usually avoidable with good dental care and a good dental surgeon. If you have an upcoming procedure, it is important you understand the possible complications you could face and how to avoid them. 

Infection

Since dental implants are installed through a surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection. One of the main reasons that an infection occurs is poor dental hygiene before or after the procedure. It is because of this, good dental care is your best chance of avoiding infection. After the procedure, your dental surgeon will set his or her expectations for how you care for your teeth at home. This can include brushing, flossing, and using prescription mouthwash. 

Your surgeon can also decrease the likelihood that you will experience an infection by prescribing an antibiotic to take before and after the procedure. If you are a smoker, stop smoking before the procedure. Smoking can slow your recovery and leave you more susceptible to infection.

Allergic Reaction

Most dental implants are composed of titanium alloy. There are also some traces of nickel in some implants. If you have a metal allergy, you could suffer a reaction, which could result in the implants failing. To avoid this issue, it is important that your surgeon conduct a Memory Lymphocyte Immunostimulation Assay, or MELISA, test before the procedure. The test is designed to detect hypersensitivity to metals. 

If you are determined to have an allergy to nickel or titanium, it does not exactly mean that you cannot have the implants. Depending on the severity of the allergy, it is possible your surgeon can still use the implant. He or she can opt for specially designed implants that are for people with severe allergies. 

Sinus Problems

Following the procedure, some people develop sinus problems. The sinus problem is usually related to the quality and quantity of the bone in your upper back jaw. If there is not enough bone or there is an insufficient amount, sinus problems can occur. 

Your surgeon is instrumental in avoiding this complication. Before the procedure, your surgeon will take several x-rays. If you do not have enough jawbone for the procedure or it is of poor quality, you can have a bone graft. 

If you are follow your surgeon's instructions, you can most likely avoid complications. Alert your dental surgeon of any problems you experience before and after the surgery so that he or she can assess your condition and determine if there are any precautions that can be taken.