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Health Risks of Dental Implants

Dental implants are used as an alternative to dentures or bridgework when one or more teeth are missing. Placing the implants involves several procedures that are performed over many months. The procedures are usually done as an outpatient and are considered to be costly. Like all surgical procedures, dental implant surgery carries risks. The majority of these risks are considered minor. Over 900,000 dental implant procedures are performed each year.

  1. Risks

    • Dental surgery is considered a safe procedure with approximately a 90 percent success rate and few side effects. With any surgical procedure complications are possible. Infection in the bone or incision area can occur. A patient can have a reaction to the anesthetic used. The implant can break or become loose. Placing an implant too close to a nerve or on a nerve can be extremely painful. If the implant is pressing on the nerve, it can cause numbness or tingling in the teeth, lips, chin or gums. Tissue damage can occur to the area around the implant. If the implant protrudes into a sinus cavity, sinus problems can develop. In some procedures, the bone does not fuse with the implant. In rare cases, cancer has developed in response to the materials used in the implant hardware.

    Treating Complications

    • Most complications that do occur with this procedure are easy to treat. If an infection develops, the patient is put on an antibiotic. Broken implants are replaced with new ones. Placing the implant into the bone and allowing adequate time for healing during the phases of the procedure makes the implant more stable. A loose implant can usually be fixed without removing it. If an implant has been placed too close to a nerve or sinus cavity it is removed. When the bone does not fuse with the implant, the implant is removed. The bone is then cleaned and given a few months to heal before the implant is replaced. In the cases that did develop cancer, the implant was removed, further surgery was required to remove the tumor, and chemotherapy was necessary. Following doctor's orders and taking care of the teeth and gums reduces the risk of some complications.

    Considerations

    • Dental implant surgery is expensive and usually not covered by insurance. The condition of the jaw bone will determine if bone grafting is needed before implant surgery can be done.

    How Long Does It Take

    • The surgery is done in stages to allow for healing and strengthening of the jaw. It usually takes six to nine months for completion and involves several procedures.

    Benefits

    • There are benefits of dental implants over bridgework or dentures. Dentures can be uncomfortable or ill-fitting, and can slip, make noise and cause bone loss. Bridgework can damage surrounding teeth. These problems are not encountered with dental implants.

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