Gone are the days when dentists could only replace missing teeth with removable dentures or teeth bridges. Although these options had been in use for many years, they had their own drawbacks that limited patient acceptability, such as their limited clinical services life and inability to restore one’s ability to chew food optimally. But then came dental implants, which quickly became the most sought-after tooth replacement option worldwide. In 2022 alone, over 238,900 dental implant procedures were performed in the UK. 

However, despite their popularity, many people are sceptical about dental implant treatment and worry that implant treatment will lead to many problems. If you’re also considering dental implant therapy and you’re worried about dental implant therapy-related complications, this blog is for you. So, read on to learn more about implant treatment and whether it can cause future complications. 

Can Tooth Implants Cause Problems?

Like all dental procedures, there is always a risk of complications with dental implants. However, research has shown that dental implant-related complications are rare. A research study showed that the overall 10-year success rate of dental implant therapy is more than 90%. This means that the chances of implant treatment failure within the first ten years of insertion are less than 10%.

Complications with implant therapy are typically associated with poor treatment planning or an improper surgical procedure. Therefore, the risk of complications is higher when treatment is performed by novice dentists. So, it is always advisable to visit a specialist implant dentist to get your missing teeth replaced. 

What Is The Major Problem In Dental Implants?

Dental professionals regard tooth implants as the next best thing to one’s natural teeth. This is because dental implants are extremely durable, allow for an aesthetic replacement of one’s teeth and more importantly, restore one’s ability to chew food without difficulty. 

However, dental implants also have some drawbacks. For example, dental implant treatment requires precision and immaculate surgical skills. So, if an implant is placed by a novice dentist, there is a risk of implant failure. Another disadvantage is the high cost of treatment with tooth implants. However, if one considers their durability and aesthetics, their high cost is a small price to pay in return for a fully functional set of teeth. 

Can Dental Implants Cause Health Issues?

Dental implants are made of high-quality titanium alloys which carry a minimal risk of health-related adverse effects. According to Healthline, tooth implants are considered safe for many people, except those who have an allergy to titanium. 

However, health-related adverse effects can occur with implants if the surgical procedure is not performed correctly. For example, inflammation of the tissues surrounding the implant – a condition called peri-implantitis – can occur in cases where the surgical protocol was not followed. 

Can Dental Implants Fail, And What Are The Reasons For Failure?

Overall, dental implants have a very high success rate. A 2022 research study showed that the success rate of tooth implants 20 years after their insertion was 93%. This success rate is the highest among all the tooth replacement options. 

Despite that, implant failures do occur, mainly because of poor treatment planning or an improper surgical technique. That is why, it is recommended to visit an experienced and qualified implant dentist for your treatment to avoid future complications. 

What Are The Disadvantages Of Having Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a versatile option for replacing missing teeth and offer several advantages over conventional options. Despite that, they have certain drawbacks as well. For example, the success of implant therapy is highly dependent on the dentist’s skills and surgical precision. Moreover, the high cost of dental implants is another drawback of this treatment option. 

What Are The Risks Associated With Dental Implant Surgery?

Research shows that there are minimal risks associated with implant surgery, provided the procedure is performed by an experienced and qualified dentist. Nevertheless, there are some risks associated with this treatment, such as infection, inflammation, and host-implant incompatibility. The good news is that these risks can be minimised with careful treatment planning. 

Are There Any Long Term Problems With Dental Implants?

Unlike removable dentures and teeth bridges that have associated long-term problems, dental implants do not cause long-standing issues. Again, this depends on how good the surgery was performed by the dentist. 

Can Dental Implants Cause Gum Disease?

Gum disease occurs around the gums, and not the implants. Instead, inflammation of the soft tissues surrounding the implants can occur sometimes and may cause implant failure. This condition, called peri-implantitis, is rare and mainly occurs due to poor treatment planning and surgical procedures during implant placement. 

Is It Possible To Have Implants With Periodontitis?

Periodontitis is a condition in which the tissues surrounding our teeth, the gums, their associated fibres, and the supporting jawbone become inflamed. Implant placement is not recommended in patients who have periodontitis as the bone quality is compromised. As a result, there is insufficient healthy bone tissue available to anchor the implant, leading to failure. 

Do Dental Implants Need To Be Checked Or Maintained?

Yes, dental implants require similar care and maintenance as natural teeth. In addition to brushing and flossing, patients with dental implants should visit their dentist regularly for oral health checkups. This ensures that any problems with their implant-supported teeth are diagnosed and treated promptly, well before they cause permanent damage or require expensive treatment. 

Are Dental Implants Safe?

Research has shown that dental implants are a safe option for replacing missing teeth. In addition to offering a very high long term success rate, dental implants have minimal oral or physical health-related adverse effects. 

So, if you or a loved one has one or missing teeth, they should consider dental implants for their replacement. If you live in Birmingham, the best place to go for dental implant treatment is Solihull Dental Centre and Implant Clinic, where we offer high-quality services under one roof. So, book an appointment with us today and let us give you a healthy and functional smile.