Dental Implant Surgery Risks Most Patients Are Never Told
Dental implant surgery is generally safe, but it is not risk-free. Many risks are minimized or omitted in patient discussions, leading to unrealistic expectations.
Informed consent requires full disclosure.
Surgical Risks
Infection
Infection can occur:
- At the surgical site
- Around the implant during healing
- Years later due to hygiene failure
Infections compromise integration and bone stability.
Nerve Injury
Improper implant placement may injure sensory nerves, causing:
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Altered sensation
Some nerve injuries resolve. Others may be permanent.
Sinus Complications
In the upper jaw, implants may:
- Perforate the sinus
- Cause sinus inflammation
- Require additional treatment
Proper planning reduces but does not eliminate this risk.
Biological Risks
Failure to Integrate
Osseointegration is a biological process, not a guarantee.
Failure may occur due to:
- Poor bone quality
- Infection
- Excessive micromovement
- Systemic health factors
Peri-Implant Disease
Inflammatory disease around implants causes progressive bone loss and eventual failure if untreated.
Unlike cavities, this damage is not reversible.
Prosthetic and Mechanical Risks
Complications include:
- Screw loosening
- Fractured components
- Chipped prosthetic materials
These issues are manageable but require ongoing care.
Risk Amplifiers
Risk increases with:
- Inexperienced surgical planning
- Inadequate diagnostics
- Overloaded prosthetic designs
- Poor patient compliance
Most serious complications trace back to planning errors.
Why These Risks Matter
Ignoring risk does not reduce it. Acknowledging risk allows mitigation.
Patients who understand risks make better long-term decisions.
Honest Risk Assessment in Sacramento
At Fusion Dental Implants, we believe in complete transparency. We discuss all risks before treatment and use advanced 3D planning to minimize complications.
Learn about our planning process
About Fusion Dental Implants: Committed to honest, informed care in Roseville and El Dorado Hills, serving Sacramento and Northern California.