Potential Risks of Dental Implants: What You Need to Know

Dental implants are the gold standard for tooth replacement, but informed patients make better decisions. Understanding the risks helps you and Dr. McVety plan accordingly.

Common Risks

- Infection — Any surgical site can become infected. Antibiotics, careful oral hygiene, and follow-up visits minimize this risk significantly. - Implant failure — Poor osseointegration, peri-implantitis, inadequate bone density, or smoking can cause an implant to fail. Overall failure rates remain below 5–10%. - Nerve damage — Rare, but improper placement can affect sensation in the lips, chin, or tongue. 3D imaging (CBCT) during planning dramatically reduces this risk. - Sinus complications — Upper jaw implants placed too close to the sinus cavity can cause sinusitis. Careful pre-surgical evaluation prevents this. - Gum recession — Poorly placed implants or insufficient gum tissue can expose the implant base over time. - Allergic reaction — Titanium allergy is extremely rare but possible; alternative materials exist for confirmed cases.

How We Minimize Risk

1. Comprehensive evaluation including medical history, bone density assessment, and CBCT imaging 2. Personalized treatment planning accounting for your health conditions and habits 3. Clear pre- and post-operative instructions 4. Regular follow-up to catch early signs of complications

Are You a Good Candidate?

Patients with sufficient bone density, healthy gums, and good overall health have the highest success rates. Smokers, patients with uncontrolled diabetes, or those with autoimmune conditions may require additional preparation but can often still receive implants.

Contact Casco Bay Smiles at (207) 517-7008 to schedule an implant evaluation.