dental implants patient information

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root placed surgically into the jawbone. After healing, it can support a replacement tooth, a bridge or a denture. The implant in the bone and the replacement teeth attached to it are separate parts of the treatment.

Treatment may involve several stages, including tooth removal, bone or gum grafting, implant placement, healing and fitting the replacement teeth. Not everyone needs every stage. Your clinician will explain your proposed treatment and expected timeframe.^{[1, 2]}

Dental implants are not guaranteed to last for life. Even when an implant remains firmly in the bone, the crown, bridge, denture, screws or attachments may need maintenance, repair or replacement.^{[3, 4]}

Depending on your circumstances, implants may improve chewing, appearance, comfort and the stability of replacement teeth. They may avoid the need to prepare neighbouring teeth for a conventional bridge.^[1]

Possible alternatives include:

• Keeping and treating an existing tooth, where this is reasonably possible.
• A bridge supported by neighbouring teeth.
• A removable partial or complete denture.
• Leaving the space without a replacement tooth.
• Delaying treatment while dental or medical problems are addressed.

Each option has benefits, limitations, costs and maintenance needs. Removing a natural tooth is irreversible. Before choosing extraction and an implant, ask whether retaining the tooth is a reasonable alternative.^{[1, 3]}

Many implants function for years. However, “implant survival” does not mean that treatment has been free of disease, repairs or other problems.

A systematic review published in 2026 reported approximately 95% implant survival across studies with follow-up periods of 10–25 years. This was an implant-level estimate across different studies, not a prediction of an individual patient’s outcome or the lifespan of their replacement teeth. The review also found that biological health and treatment success were less consistent than implant retention alone.^[4]

Your own outlook depends on factors including your health, smoking, gum disease, available bone, implant position, the design of the replacement teeth, treatment execution and ongoing care.^[3–6]

There is no single reliable percentage that describes every patient’s risk of nerve injury, infection, implant failure or other complications. Ask your clinician which estimates are relevant to your particular procedure.

Some discomfort, swelling, bruising and minor bleeding can occur after implant surgery. You may need a soft diet, changes to your normal activities and adjustments to a temporary denture.

The amount of discomfort and time needed for recovery depend on the extent of surgery and whether grafting is performed. Symptoms should generally improve as healing progresses. Severe, persistent or worsening symptoms need assessment.^{[2, 7]}

An implant may not form a sufficiently strong connection with the jawbone. This is sometimes called failure of osseointegration. It may become loose or need removal before the final replacement tooth is fitted.

Further healing, grafting or another implant may be considered, but replacement is not always possible or successful. Treatment may take longer and involve additional costs.^{[2, 3, 7]}

The surgical wound, surrounding tissues or bone may become infected or heal poorly. Treatment may include cleaning, medicines, further surgery, or removal of an implant or graft. Serious bone infection can require extensive treatment.^{[7, 8]}

Bleeding or a collection of blood in the tissues can occur. Injury to blood vessels may require additional treatment. Significant bleeding or rapidly increasing swelling needs urgent assessment.^{[3, 8]}

Nerves may be injured during implant surgery, particularly when an implant site is close to a nerve in the lower jaw. Possible effects include numbness, tingling, altered feeling, burning or persistent pain involving the lip, chin, gums, teeth or tongue, depending on the nerve affected.

Symptoms may be temporary or permanent and can affect eating, speaking and everyday activities. Scans and careful planning help assess the anatomy, but do not eliminate the risk. Prompt assessment is important if altered sensation continues beyond the expected duration of the local anaesthetic.^{[2, 8, 9]}

Surgery can damage adjacent teeth, roots, dental restorations, blood vessels or surrounding bone. An affected tooth may require further treatment, including root canal treatment or extraction. A poorly positioned implant may be difficult to restore, clean or use and may require removal.^{[3, 8, 10]}

Implants placed in the upper jaw may be close to the sinus or nasal cavity. Complications can include penetration into these spaces, sinus inflammation or infection, or an opening between the mouth and sinus. Additional treatment or surgery may be necessary.^{[2, 8, 11]}

Other recognised complications include jaw fracture and accidental swallowing or inhalation of small instruments or components. Inhalation may require emergency medical treatment.^{[3, 8]}

Bone grafting may be recommended if there is insufficient bone for the planned implant position. It can be performed before implant placement or at the same operation.

Additional risks include:

• Infection, wound opening, or exposure of the graft or covering membrane.
• Partial or complete graft loss.
• Insufficient new bone for implant placement.
• Further grafting, additional surgery or a change in treatment.
• Pain, bleeding, infection or altered sensation at a separate site from which your own bone is collected.

Grafts and membranes may come from your own body, donated human tissue, animal sources or synthetic materials. Your clinician should explain the proposed materials, their origin and reasonable alternatives, including any concerns relevant to your beliefs or preferences.^[7]

A sinus lift raises the lining of the sinus to create space for additional bone beneath it.

Risks include:

• A tear or puncture in the sinus lining.
• Bleeding, including a nosebleed.
• Sinus congestion, inflammation or infection.
• Graft exposure, infection or failure.
• Insufficient bone formation.
• An opening between the mouth and sinus.
• Temporary dizziness with some techniques.
• The need to stop, postpone or repeat the procedure.

A torn sinus lining may be repaired during surgery, but sometimes the procedure must be stopped and completed after healing. Risks differ between techniques and according to your sinus anatomy and health.^{[11, 12]}

Placing an implant immediately after tooth removal is different from attaching replacement teeth immediately after implant placement.

Immediate treatment is suitable only in selected circumstances. Its feasibility depends on factors such as available bone, the stability of the implant when placed and control of biting forces during healing.

An immediate tooth or bridge should not be assumed to be possible or guaranteed. Discuss the alternative plan before surgery in case immediate placement or loading cannot safely proceed. Temporary teeth may need adjustments or repairs, and treatment may need to change to a delayed approach.^{[2, 13]}

Implants cannot develop tooth decay, but the tissues around them can become diseased:

• Peri-implant mucositis is inflammation of the gum around an implant without the progressive supporting-bone loss that defines peri-implantitis. It can often be reversed with appropriate treatment and plaque control.
• Peri-implantitis is inflammation around an implant with progressive loss of supporting bone. It can lead to implant loss.

Treatment may involve professional cleaning, changes to the replacement teeth, surgery or implant removal. Disease can persist or return despite treatment and regular maintenance.^{[1, 5, 6]}

Crowns, bridges, dentures and their components can wear, chip, fracture, loosen or lose retention. Screws and attachments may need tightening or replacement. The implant itself can also fracture.

An implant can remain in the bone while the replacement teeth require repair or replacement. Repairs may involve extra appointments, laboratory work and costs.^{[3, 8]}

The gum may recede or change shape, exposing implant components or creating gaps between teeth. Metal may become visible or show through thin gum. The appearance may not fully match neighbouring natural teeth, and an implant that functions well may still have an unsatisfactory cosmetic result.

Additional treatment may help, but a particular appearance cannot be guaranteed.^{[8, 10]}

The position and design of implant-supported teeth affect how easily they can be cleaned and how comfortably they function. Difficult-to-clean areas may contribute to inflammation.

Discuss the expected appearance, speech, chewing function and cleaning requirements before the final teeth are made.^{[5, 6, 10]}

Tell your clinician about your complete medical and dental history, including all prescribed medicines, non-prescription medicines and supplements.

Important considerations include:

• Smoking: associated with implant failure and healing complications.
• Previous or current gum disease: increases concern about future disease around implants; treatment and stability of gum disease are important before implant placement.
• Diabetes and other medical conditions: may affect infection risk, healing or treatment suitability.
• Poor plaque control or difficulty attending maintenance: may increase the risk of biological complications.
• Clenching or grinding: may increase concern about mechanical loading and damage to replacement teeth.
• Previous head and neck radiotherapy, cancer treatment or medicines affecting immunity or bone: require individual assessment.
• Limited bone, thin gum or demanding cosmetic requirements: may make treatment more complex.^{[1–3, 5, 6, 8]}

Complications are not determined by patient factors alone. Surgical planning, implant position, restorative design and the delivery of care also influence outcomes.^{[3, 5, 10]}

Some medicines, including bisphosphonates and denosumab, are associated with medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw, a potentially serious condition in which jawbone does not heal normally.

Risk differs substantially between lower-dose osteoporosis treatment and higher-dose cancer treatment. Taking an osteoporosis medicine does not automatically rule out dental implants, but requires an individual discussion. Some high-dose cancer regimens may make implant placement unsuitable.

Do not stop or delay these medicines yourself. Any change should be discussed with the prescribing clinician and your dental team.^{[6, 14]}

Implant treatment is usually performed with local anaesthesia; sedation or general anaesthesia may also be considered.

Anaesthetic and other medicines have their own risks, including adverse reactions and allergies. Sedation and general anaesthesia require a separate discussion of their benefits, risks, preparation and recovery arrangements.

Tell your team about previous reactions to anaesthetics, antibiotics or other medicines, and follow the instructions specific to your treatment.^{[2, 8]}

Implants require daily cleaning and continuing professional review. Your clinician should show you how to clean around your particular crown, bridge or denture and recommend a maintenance schedule based on your needs.

Regular care reduces risk but cannot guarantee that complications will not occur.

Before treatment, ask for a written explanation of:

• The stages included in the proposed treatment and fees.
• The plan for temporary teeth and any period without replacement teeth.
• Expected maintenance and component-replacement needs.
• Arrangements and potential costs if an implant or graft fails.
• Who will provide follow-up care and manage complications.
• Whether specialist referral may be needed.^{[1, 3, 6, 10]}

Follow your team’s written postoperative instructions.

Seek emergency medical care (call 000) for difficulty breathing or swallowing, rapidly increasing swelling, or severe bleeding that is not controlled.

Contact your treating team promptly for:

• Numbness or altered sensation lasting beyond the expected local anaesthetic effect.
• Severe, worsening or persistent pain.
• Increasing swelling, fever, pus or other signs of infection.
• A loose implant or replacement tooth.
• Persistent sinus symptoms or concern about an opening between the mouth and nose or sinus.^{[2, 9, 11]}

Practice contact: 02 9052 6999. During opening hours (Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm), call the practice. We provide care for dental emergencies, including pain relief and trauma treatment.

After-hours arrangements: Next Level Dentistry does not provide an after-hours service. Outside opening hours, leave a message on 02 9052 6999 or email enquire@drlazaris.com and we will contact you on the next business day. If your concern cannot wait, contact an after-hours dental or medical service or go to your nearest hospital emergency department. In an emergency, call 000.

You should have time to consider the information, ask questions and discuss reasonable alternatives before deciding.

Before agreeing to treatment, make sure you understand:

• What is proposed and why.
• Which risks apply to your implant site and health.
• What outcomes are realistic.
• What may happen if treatment fails or the plan changes.
• The alternatives, including retaining a tooth where possible or having no implant treatment.
• The likely treatment time, costs and long-term maintenance.

Tell your clinician which outcomes or complications would matter most to you. This resource cannot identify every risk relevant to your circumstances. Informed consent requires a discussion about your individual treatment, not simply reading information or signing a form.^[15]