While All-on-4 surgery is generally considered safe and effective, like any surgical procedure, it carries some risks and potential complications. It's essential to discuss these risks with your dental surgeon before undergoing the procedure. Here are some potential risks associated with All-on-4 surgery:
- Infection: Any surgical procedure carries a risk of infection. Your surgeon will provide antibiotics to reduce this risk, but it's essential to follow post-operative care instructions meticulously to minimize the chance of infection.
- Implant Failure: While All-on-4 implants have a high success rate, there is a small risk of implant failure. This could occur due to factors such as poor bone integration, implant fracture, or peri-implantitis (inflammation around the implant).
- Nerve Damage: The placement of dental implants near nerves in the jawbone carries a risk of nerve damage, which can cause numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation in the lips, tongue, or chin. Your surgeon will take precautions to avoid nerve injury, but it's a potential risk to be aware of.
- Sinus Complications: For implants placed in the upper jaw, there is a risk of sinus complications, such as sinusitis or sinus perforation. Your surgeon will evaluate your sinus anatomy and take precautions to minimize these risks.
- Bone Loss: In rare cases, the pressure exerted by dental implants can lead to bone loss around the implant site. This can compromise the stability of the implants and may require additional treatment to address.
- Gum Recession: Poor oral hygiene or aggressive brushing can contribute to gum recession around the implants, exposing the implant surfaces and increasing the risk of infection or implant failure.
- Prosthesis Complications: The prosthetic teeth attached to the implants may experience issues such as chipping, fracture, or loosening over time. Regular dental check-ups and proper oral hygiene can help prevent these complications.
- Allergic Reactions: While rare, some individuals may have allergic reactions to the materials used in dental implants or prosthetic components. Your dentist will discuss any known allergies before the procedure.
- Speech or Chewing Difficulties: Adjusting to the new prosthetic teeth may temporarily affect speech or chewing function. Speech therapy or dietary modifications may be necessary during the initial healing period.