For patients who are missing one or more teeth, dental implants represent the most optimal treatment available to restore both function and appearance. Once an implant has healed, it offers stable support to a restoration. It is important that you understand the inherent risks of dental implants before scheduling your procedure. All types of surgery involve some amount of risk, and choosing an implant dentist of Dr. Freimuth’s caliber can make a significant difference in the outcome of your surgery. To learn more about dental implants risks and benefits, please contact our office to schedule a consultation.

Dental implant surgery can result in:

• Sinus complications – When a patient has an implant placed in the back, upper quadrant of their mouth, occasionally the post can cause problems with the maxillary sinus. Having a CT Scan done before a procedure allows us to determine the amount of healthy bone available to support the implant. To protect against potential sinus problems before the surgery, some patients will need to undergo sinus lifting and bone grafting procedures.
• Damage to the surrounding tissues and nerves – Dental implant placement has the potential to injure or cause damage to the surrounding teeth, gums, bone, or blood vessels. This is another reason that Dr. Freimuth insists on CT scanning for every case. By obtaining an accurate picture of the underlying structures of the mouth, we are able to plan and precisely place each implant with great accuracy so that it receives the necessary support without interfering with the surrounding tissues.
• Implant failure – After your surgery, the implant is allowed to heal and fuse with the bone for several months in a process called osseointegration. If fusing is insufficient and the implant remains loose or falls out, it is considered a failure and must be removed and replaced in an additional procedure.
• Infection at the incision site – It is important to strictly follow all post-operative instructions and practice good oral hygiene habits to remove bacteria in the treatment area.  

Dr. Freimuth and his team follow strict guidelines in the planning, surgical, and post-operative phases of treatment to significantly reduce the risks associated with dental implant surgery. If you are missing teeth and would like to learn more about dental implant risks, please contact us and schedule a consultation.