Implant Dentistry Risks

As with any surgery, there are risks involved with placing dental implants. The procedure has a high success rate, but sometimes problems can come up during or after the surgery. When problems do arise, they can usually be easily treated by the implant specialist.

Integration

The biggest risk of dental implants is that they may not integrate correctly with the jawbone or surrounding teeth, causing them to function improperly and become uncomfortable. Implants may also become loose or fall out. In cases such as these, the dentist can remove the implant, allow time for the bone to heal, and try the surgery again after a few weeks to ensure a better fit and integration into the bone.

Infection and Tissue Damage

Another risk of dental implants is an infection or inflammation of the gums or soft tissue of the mouth. Dental implants can cause injury or damage to other teeth, blood vessels in the gums, or the sinuses. Also, a rare complication of dental implants is nerve damage in the jaw, which causes pain, or a numb or tingling feeling in teeth, lips, gums, or chin. However, this happens only in extreme and complicated cases.

Placement

Dental implants can also cause sinus problems when implants placed in the upper jaw extend into one of the sinus cavities. However, the dentist can perform surgery to quickly and carefully correct the problem.

Medical Risks

It's important to note that people who regularly smoke face a higher risk of dental implant problems or complications. Also, some studies show that people with poor immune systems may be at a higher risk of complications. However, dental implants have a 90-95 percent success rate when the surgery is performed correctly and implants are placed properly.

Contact an Implant Dentist in Your Area

The information above was provided as an overview of the risks of dental implant surgery. If you are considering having dental implants placed, but think you might be at risk for dental implant complications, please explore our online directory to find and contact an experienced implant dentist in your area.