Are Dental Implants Safe?

Dental implants are in most cases extremely safe, dependable, and have been shown to be very successful (more than 95%) when surgeons perform them skillfully, thus dental implants serve as a durable, stable, and long, term tooth replacement option. Nevertheless, dental implants are associated with a risk of complications, albeit a small one, such as infection, nerve, related issues, or difficulties with healing, although such risks are reduced with good general health, conscientious care, and accurate implantation of implants made of materials that are compatible with the human body such as titanium or zirconium.

Why They Are Safe

1. Generally, the implants are made of titanium or zirconia, which are materials that your body can easily tolerate. These materials have also been approved by regulatory bodies like the FDA.

2. Proven Success: Research evidence survival rates of the implants in the long, term, which is most of the time up to a lifetime if proper oral hygiene is maintained.

3. Advanced Technology: The use of 3D imaging and digital planning helps to be exact which in turn lowers the chances of an accident during the placement procedure.

Potential Risks & Considerations

1. Surgical Risks: Infection, nerve damage (causing pain/numbness), or injury to nearby structures are possible.

2. Implant Failure: Can occur if the implant doesn’t fuse with bone (osseointegration), often due to poor healing, infection, or overloading.

3. Patient Factors: Smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, and certain medications (like bisphosphonates) increase risks.