What are the complications of cosmetic dental surgery?

Understanding the Complications of Cosmetic Dental Surgeries

10 Issues to Consider

It’s no surprise that these days, cosmetic dental procedures are among the most popular dental procedures. Cosmetic procedures can offer people a brighter smile, and we all know the value of it! It is one of the first things that create our impression and character in public. These procedures often cause significant improvement in the aesthetic of smiles; however, it’s essential to pay attention to the potential complications that they can have. Every surgery can have some side effects and cosmetic procedures are no exceptions. If you’re considering going through cosmetic surgery, whether it’s for fixing minor issues or a huge transformation, it’s a good idea to become aware of possible risks associated with the procedure.

Infection

For any surgical procedure, there lies the risk of bacterial contamination, and this is what leads to infection. Although surgeons stick to strict sterilization protocols, there’s always a minimum risk of infection. Swelling, redness, and pain are signs of it, and if the infection becomes extensive, it should be treated with antibiotics or abscess drainage.

Nerve Damage

Some procedures such as wisdom teeth extraction or dental implants, can damage the nerves that are near the surgery site. As a result, lips, tongue, or other areas of the mouth may feel numb or tingled. The patient also may experience altered sensation in the mentioned areas. These symptoms may be long-lasting and require extra medical intervention. But don’t panic! This happens in rare cases.

Allergic Reactions

Allergies happen when your immune system finds a substance foreign and reacts to it. The materials that are used in cosmetic dental procedures can also cause allergic reactions in some people. These can be dental crowns, implants or bonding material. Allergies appear as swelling, itching, or rash. If there’s an allergic reaction to a substance used in a cosmetic procedure, it may be necessary to remove or replace the material.

Tooth Sensitivity

One of the most common complications of cosmetic dental procedures is increased tooth sensitivity. Teeth whitening can particularly cause tooth sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures due to the agents used for whitening. However, the sensitivity is temporary.

Gum Recession

Gum recession happens when the gum tissue pulls away from the teeth and the tooth root is exposed. This is dangerous for the patient’s oral health because it can make the teeth sensitive and lead to tooth decay. Additionally, the appearance of the patient’s smile is also compromised. If the dentist uses the correct technique and post-operative care is done properly, the risk of gum recession is minimized.

Misalignment

Some cosmetic procedures such as placing crowns and veneers, can cause problems in the patient’s bite or lead to misalignment of teeth. When this happens, the patient is likely to experience uncomfortable feelings, and some of the functions are lost. To address misalignment issues, dentists may have to use orthodontic treatment or they may replace the restorations.

Temporary or Permanent Discoloration

Agents that are used in teeth whitening procedures may cause the teeth or surrounding tissues to become discolored. If whitening materials are used too much or if gums and other soft tissues in the mouth are not protected properly, there is the risk of uneven whitening or chemical burns. To avoid such risks, it’s important that you do it under the supervision of professionals and follow their instructions.

Complications with Anesthesia

Anesthesia administration for dental surgeries can rarely cause complications like allergic reactions, issues with the respiratory system, or adverse drug interactions. The good news is that oral surgeons and dentists are trained extensively during their education to minimize the risks associated with anesthesia and ensure a safe and smooth procedure for the patients.

Jaw Problems

Sometimes cosmetic dental procedures may worsen the problems that patients already have with their jaws or create new problems for them. An example of such complications is temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, a problem that can happen when dental restorations are aligned improperly, altering the bite relationship. Patients who have pre-existing jaw conditions should undergo the procedure with extra care.

Unsatisfactory Results

Although dentists do their best at planning and executing the procedure, the ideal results may not always be achievable. Factors like the oral anatomy of the patient, tissue response, and the image that the patients have in their mind about the outcome of their procedure can influence the extent of their satisfaction with the final results. Having realistic expectations and talking openly with their dentist about their cosmetic goals and concerns, can decrease the likelihood of unsatisfactory results.

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How to Minimize the Risk of Complications

Choose a skilled dentist: Undergoing your procedure under the supervision of a dentist who specializes in cosmetic dentistry and has successfully performed plenty of dental surgeries, will minimize the likelihood of risks.

Discuss openly: Tell your dentist about any underlying health conditions that you may have, and discuss your ideal result openly. This way, your dentist can make a personalized plan that is suitable for you.

Follow instructions: Never ignore your dentist’s instructions before and after the surgery. These instructions may include fasting requirements or discontinuing certain medications. After the surgery, these may be taking prescribed medications such as antibiotics or pain relievers and cutting back on some foods and activities. Carefully following these steps is vital for a safe procedure, and ignoring them can make the healing process unsuccessful.

Ensure cleanliness: Obviously, there’s minimum risk of infection in a clean dental clinic that adheres to strict sterilization standards. Sterile instruments and a clean environment are some of the most important things you need for a safe dental experience.

Oral hygiene: You should be careful when it comes to cleaning the surgical site. Brush and floss your teeth gently and be careful not to touch the where the surgery was performed, as this can disrupt the healing process.

Follow-up appointments: Make sure you visit your dentist regularly and you don’t skip your appointments. This way your dentist can monitor your progress, address potential issues, and make necessary adjustments.

Communicate: No matter which step of the process you’re at, communicate with your dentist about any unusual symptoms that you notice and ask for their guidance. Paying attention to signs and addressing them timely can prevent minor problems from turning into bigger complications, ensuring the best possible outcome.

Long story short, while cosmetic dental surgeries can be game changers for your smile and make it shinier, they are not without risks. When planning to have a cosmetic dental procedure, it’s best to discuss the potential complications with your dentist. A proper treatment plan, a skilled cosmetic dentist, and careful aftercare are the keys to a safe cosmetic dental procedure.

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A Hassle-free Smile Transformation at Woodbridge Smile Centre

At Woodbridge Smile Centre, not only do we prioritize patient safety and cleanliness to ensure a safe environment for all dental procedures, but we also take pride in being recognized as the best dentist in Woodbridge. Our commitment to excellence extends to various dental services, including addressing concerns such as missing teeth with top-notch solutions.

Our experienced dentists and oral surgeons specialize in dental implants to provide effective and lasting solutions for missing teeth. We also offer cosmetic dentistry services to enhance the aesthetics of your smile, including Teeth Whitening, Dental Veneers, and Dental Bridges.

In addition to our commitment to patient safety, we adhere strictly to industry-standard sterilization protocols. We regularly disinfect all equipment and surfaces to prevent the spread of infections. Our team follows meticulous hygiene practices, including wearing protective gear and using sterile instruments for each procedure. Maintaining a clean and organized clinic space is a priority for us, creating a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere for our patients. Trust us for comprehensive dental care, where your well-being and satisfaction are our top priorities.

Need consultation about cosmetic dental procedures? Give us a call at 905-832-3310.