Are Dental Implants Safe? Risks, Side Effects & Success Rates

Published by Daniel Ilyabayev, DDS Updated On:

Are Dental Implants Safe? Risks, Side Effects & Success Rates - img 2 - Blog VIP Dental Care
Are Dental Implants Safe? Risks, Side Effects & Success Rates - img 1 - Blog VIP Dental Care

The latest advancements in dental implant technology have earned dental implants the reputation of being the best long-term replacement option for missing teeth. However, there’s one caveat. Though permanent false teeth boast a high success rate of 97% for 10 years, dental implant surgery possesses certain risks. 

Who’s a perfect candidate for the procedure? What are dental implants complications? How to prevent the risks of dental implants? Are dental implants bad for your health? Our experts will dot all the i’s!

What Are Dental Implants? 

A dental implant is commonly a titanium screw inserted by an oral surgeon into a patient’s jawbone to replace the original tooth’s root. The procedure is performed in adulthood when a permanent tooth is lost or severely damaged to restore biting and chewing functions and improve aesthetics. 

During the recovery period of 3 to 6 months, the implant connects to the jawbone, which is also called osseointegration. Afterward, a dentist places a dental crown on top of the titanium post. The construction stabilizes the surrounding teeth, prevents bone loss, withstands normal chewing, and looks natural. 

Are Dental Implants Safe?

The procedure is considered safe in the majority of cases when prescribed by a qualified dentist. 

The risks of complications are minimal if a patient:

  • has good overall health;
  • maintains diligent oral hygiene;
  • has no gum-related issues;
  • is blessed with a sufficient jawbone volume to tolerate the implant;
  • meticulously follows supportive post-surgery care.

Since getting a dental implant involves anesthesia, surgery, and recovery time, it has the potential to cause certain long-term side effects of dental implants. 

Common Dental Implant Side Effects

Wonder what are the negative effects of dental implants? No need to panic: some symptoms are considered normal and don’t impact the procedure’s success.

Swelling and Discomfort

Some patients experience minor pain, swelling, and discomfort after dental surgery, but it shouldn’t last for long. The intensity of uncomfortable sensations differs based on the patient’s peculiarities and the number of positioned implants. The doctor may prescribe you pain medications to alleviate discomfort after the postoperative period. On average, swelling gradually subsides within 5–7 days following the implantation.

Bruising or Minor Bleeding

Dental implant surgery is often accompanied by minor bleeding, which usually stops within several hours. It is considered normal, just like bruising or discoloration around the affected area. Bruising commonly takes a couple of days to subside.

Gum Sensitivity

Sensitivity on the implant site can happen due to various reasons, including gums irritation, temporary inflammation, or pressure on the surrounding teeth. This feeling is commonly short-term and subsides in three days. If the sensation incrementally worsens, it is reasonable to book an appointment with your doctor.

Temporary Numbness

Post-operative numbness in the lips, jaw, chin, or tongue is relatively rare, but it usually disappears within a few days or weeks. If altered sensations in the mouth cause your concerns, you can always consult your treating doctor about related dental implant issues. The professional can take dental X-rays to monitor the course of healing, so you no longer have to guess what can go wrong with dental implants in your case.

Serious Risks and Rare Complications 

Any type of surgery is accompanied by risks, but sometimes “leaving it the way it is” can appear more dangerous in the long run. Addressing a professional oral surgeon with years of expertise, you can minimize dental implant risks and avoid potential complications. Here’s their brief compilation.

Infection at the Implant Site

You’ll get precise guidance on how to care for your incisions as they heal, but sometimes dental implant surgery can cause an infection of the gum or bone. The symptoms encompass persistent pain, swelling, pus, or fluid oozing from the treated site. You’d better contact your doctor if you discover them to manage potential problems with implants.

Nerve Damage

According to statistics, nearly 1% of implant surgery performed annually results in a nerve problem with dental implants. Nerve damage can happen if an implant is positioned too close to a nerve, leading from fleeting discomfort to long-term issues. Skilled oral surgeons at our Cosmetic & Implant Dental Office take a range of precautions to locate the nerves in your mouth and eliminate the risk of damage. 

Implant Rejection or Failure

To hold a dental crown firmly, the jawbone should sufficiently grow around your implant. When osseointegration is unsuccessful, it can result in implant failure. Sometimes your body can naturally reject a dental implant, but this possibility is very rare. Symptoms of rejection comprise acute pain and swelling at the implant site, fever, and chills. Even then, there’s a way out: in collaboration with your dentist, you can decide whether to replace the implant or opt for an alternative.

Sinus Problems (for Upper Jaw Implants)

Sinus damage belongs to problems of dental implants positioned on the upper jaw. Implants might protrude into the sinus and provoke discomfort or infection. An experienced oral surgeon can minimize the risk by thorough treatment planning and precise surgical techniques to securely navigate the proximity to sinus cavities.

Who’s at Higher Risk for Complications?

Implants can last a lifetime with proper care. You might need to consider alternatives to avoid dental implants problems if you:

  • are an avid smoker;
  • suffer from gum disease;
  • have diabetes or an autoimmune disease; 
  • have specific allergies;
  • get chemotherapy;
  • have osteoporosis;
  • take medications affecting the calcium level in the body.

Besides, seniors over 60 may have compromised bone health and experience slower healing time from the procedure. It’s crucial to weigh all the options and discuss them with your doctor before getting dental implants.

How to Minimize Risks and Promote Healing

The success of dental implantation directly depends on the doctor’s expertise and meticulous aftercare. Ensure that you:

  • Address a reputed dental office and an oral surgeon with a high success rate;
  • Get plenty of rest after the procedure; 
  • Take the medications prescribed by your doctor;
  • Stick to a temporary diet of soft foods;
  • Apply an ice pack to the treated face area to reduce swelling and inflammation;
  • Regularly clean the site twice a day after the healing period is over;
  • Schedule regular dental appointments to clean the areas below the gum line;
  • Quit smoking if you do to diminish the risk of implant complications.

If your body can tolerate the implants, these recommendations will prove their effectiveness.

Final Thoughts: Are Implants Worth the Risk?

A customized artificial tooth can positively affect the overall quality of life by restoring chewing functionality, improving smile appearance, and preventing bone loss. However, the procedure is accompanied by certain risks you should discuss with your dentist prior to the surgery. 

Inform your doctor about any existing health conditions or drugs you take. Experts at our Dental Office in Forest Hills, NY always conduct an extensive dental examination before dental implantation to eliminate potential risks.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implant Safety

Are dental implants safe for everyone?

Though dental implants have high survival and success rates, they are not for everyone. You’re on the safe side if you have good oral health, no gum disease and your jawbone favorably tolerates dental implants. If you smoke, have osteoporosis, gum disease, diabetes, certain allergies, or are receiving chemotherapy, you might not be a good candidate for dental implantation.

What are the most common side effects after implant surgery?

Swelling, discomfort, bruising, minor bleeding, gum sensitivity, and temporary numbness are common side effects after implant placement. On average, symptoms disappear within several days or weeks. If they intensify, you’d better consult your doctor.

Can a dental implant cause problems years later?

While most dental implants are successful, certain factors can induce rejection or complications years after the procedure. It’s uncommon, given that implants are manufactured from titanium or zirconia, two highly biocompatible materials.

Is there an alternative to dental implants?

Yes, several alternatives to dental implants can help expand your options. Based on your individual situation, a dentist can recommend dental bridges, full or partial dentures, or root canals to save the original tooth.

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