Are dental implants safe?

Are dental implants safe?

Healthline's article on implant safety lists possible complications: surgical damage to nearby teeth, bone, tissue or sinuses, nerve damage, an implant that does not set properly, infection, slow healing, tooth sensitivity and difficulty cleaning the implant. Cleveland Clinic says a dentist determines whether you are a candidate. The sources we read do not give a single failure rate for everyone, but Healthline cites a 2020 study that reported an 11% implant failure rate for smokers against 5% for non-smokers.

Who may not be a good candidate?

Healthline lists smokers, people with gum disease, autoimmune disease or diabetes, people with certain allergies or a weakened immune system, people taking medications that affect calcium, people with osteoporosis, and people receiving chemotherapy or radiation, and says adults over 60 should discuss risks with their doctor. Cleveland Clinic lists active or untreated gum disease, poor oral hygiene, severe jawbone loss, extensive tooth decay, uncontrolled diabetes and certain bone disorders or autoimmune diseases, and says smoking and vaping can interfere with healing.

Can you get implants with bone loss?

Cleveland Clinic's bone graft page says grafts are often placed before implant surgery to add volume and density so the jaw can support an implant, and that grafts can improve candidacy, which suggests bone loss can limit options. It does not state a threshold for when implants are impossible. The graft needs at least three months to heal, and nine to twelve months for a large graft, and the implant should generally follow within six to twelve months, or the graft may shrink and lose density. Risks include anesthesia complications, infection, nerve damage and severe bleeding, and smoking and certain medical conditions raise the risk of graft failure.

Can you get implants with gum disease?

Cleveland Clinic says active or untreated gum disease can make implants a poor option. Healthline says gum disease is both a complication risk and a reason someone may not be a good candidate, and cites a 2022 study in which people with gum disease who did not follow supportive gum care had a higher risk of complications and implant failure. The sources we read do not specifically address periodontal disease and when treatment would make implants possible, so ask your dentist or periodontist.

Can you get implants if you have no teeth?

The sources we read do not cover this specifically. Cleveland Clinic's implant-supported denture page, which we cite in our denture guides, describes implants that anchor dentures. A dentist assesses your bone, gum health and general health to decide what suits you, and our guides on dentures and implants explain the options.

When is it too late for implants?

None of the sources we read give an age or a point at which it is too late. Healthline says adults over 60 should discuss risks with their doctor and that older adults may heal more slowly. Cleveland Clinic lists bone loss as a factor and bone grafts as a way to improve candidacy. The decision depends on health and bone, not on a number.

How do you clean implants?

The sources we read give no cleaning instructions. Healthline lists difficulty cleaning the implant as a possible complication, and Cleveland Clinic lists bleeding or swollen gums, a loose implant and pus as reasons to call your dentist. Ask your dentist which brush, floss or interdental cleaners suit your implant, and how often to come in for checks.

Questions to ask your dentist

Take these to a consultation.

• Am I a good candidate, given my health, gums and bone?
• Do I need gum treatment or a bone graft first, and how long will that take?
• What are the main risks in my case?
• How will I clean and monitor the implant?
• What happens if it fails?

Frequently asked questions