Risks Involved With Dental Implants

Dental implants such as an artificial tooth or a permanent bridge can be helpful for people who lose some of their teeth because of aging or injury and don't want dentures. Those looking into of having the procedure should know, however, that there are some risks associated with dental implants.

Multiple Operations

• Surgically implanting a tooth or bridge usually requires multiple operations lasting hours depending on the implant. The procedure can also carry great expense depending on the person's insurance coverage.

Poor Integration

• The implants may not integrate correctly with the jawbone or the remaining teeth, which would make them uncomfortable or even come loose, requiring another surgery, DocShop notes.

Infection or Damage to Mouth Tissue

• Dental implants may inflame the gums or the mouth's soft tissue, which can damage other teeth, nearby blood vessels or sinuses.

Difficult Maintenance

• Artificial implants are not exactly the same as natural teeth. The gums are not as tight around the tooth, so you may have to focus more attention on cleaning the area around the implant to keep the gums from becoming inflamed. You may also need to visit a dentist more than twice a year.

Extra Risks to Certain Groups

• Smokers face a higher risk of complications from infection and tissue damage, as do those with poor immune systems.