Can dental implants fail? What are the risks?

Dental implants have an excellent success rate of 95%+ over 10 years. However, like any medical procedure, there are risks:

Potential complications: - Failed osseointegration (implant doesn't fuse with bone) - Infection (peri-implantitis) - Nerve damage (rare, temporary) - Sinus issues (upper jaw implants) - Implant fracture (very rare)

Risk factors for failure: - Smoking (significantly increases risk) - Uncontrolled diabetes - Poor oral hygiene - Teeth grinding without night guard - Insufficient bone without grafting

How we minimize risks: - Thorough evaluation with 3D CT imaging - Computer-guided placement for precision - Premium implant systems - Detailed post-operative care instructions - Regular follow-up appointments

If an implant does fail, it can often be replaced after healing. Our practice's implant success rate exceeds 98% due to careful patient selection and precise technique.