Is doing Dental Implants risky?

Most people who have dental implants do well, and implants are one of the most reliable ways to replace a missing tooth. But no surgical treatment is risk-free, and it’s right that you understand the risks before you decide. This article explains the main ones, what affects them, and what we do to keep them as low as possible.

What are the risks of dental implants?

Some risks relate to the surgery itself, and some can appear months or years later.

Around the time of surgery

• Pain, swelling and bruising for a few days — usually managed with standard pain relief.
• Bleeding — usually minor and controlled on the day.
• Infection around the implant site.
• Nerve injury in the lower jaw, which can cause tingling or numbness of the lip, chin or tongue. This is uncommon and is the main reason careful planning and scans matter.
• Sinus involvement for implants in the upper back jaw.

During healing

• Failure to integrate — occasionally the bone does not bond to the implant. If this happens, the implant is removed, the area is allowed to heal, and it can often be replaced later.

In the longer term

• Peri-implantitis — gum disease around an implant, which can lead to bone loss if it isn’t caught and treated.
• Mechanical problems — a loose screw, a chipped or loose crown, or wear. These are usually repairable (see loose implant crown repair).
• Gum recession or changes in appearance around the implant over time.

What increases the risk?

• Smoking — slows healing and raises the risk of problems (see can smokers have implants?).
• Gum disease that isn’t under control.
• Poorly controlled diabetes and some other medical conditions or medicines.
• Grinding or clenching, which overloads implants and crowns.
• Not enough bone, if this isn’t recognised and planned for.
• Difficulty cleaning around the implant, and missing check-ups.

How we manage the risks

1. Thorough assessment. We check your medical history, gums, bite and the teeth around the gap, and we’ll tell you honestly if implants are not the best option for you.
2. Careful planning. X-rays and, where needed, a 3D CBCT scan let us measure the bone and plan the implant position away from nerves and sinuses (see 3D scans).
3. Treating problems first. Gum disease, decay or infection are dealt with before implant surgery, and bone grafting is planned where it’s needed.
4. Gentle, unhurried surgery. We work under local anaesthetic, go at your pace and stop if you need a break.
5. Clear aftercare and maintenance. We show you how to clean around your implant and see you for regular reviews (see how to clean dental implants).

Consent: making an informed choice

Before any implant treatment, we talk you through:

• what the treatment involves and how long it takes;
• the risks that apply to your mouth and health;
• the alternatives — such as a bridge, a denture, or leaving the gap — and their pros and cons;
• the full cost, including any scans or grafting that may be needed.

You’ll have a written plan and time to think it over and ask questions. There is no pressure to go ahead, and you can change your mind.

So, are dental implants risky?

There are real risks, and anyone offering implants should explain them openly. For most healthy patients with good planning and good home care, implants are a predictable, long-lasting way to replace missing teeth. The best way to find out whether they suit you is an assessment.

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