Dental implants have changed the game for people with missing teeth. They look natural, feel strong, and—with proper care—can last decades. But like any medical procedure, things can sometimes go sideways.
Complications with dental implants aren’t common, but they do happen. The good news? Most are preventable—and treatable if caught early.
Let’s walk through the most common dental implant complications, what causes them, and how we handle them at Gentle Grand Prairie Dentist.
How Common Are Dental Implant Complications?
Let’s start with the big picture. Dental implant success rates are over 95%. That’s huge. Still, about 5% of patients may experience issues—sometimes right after surgery, sometimes years later.
We’re not sharing this to scare you. We’re sharing it to help you stay informed, prepared, and confident in your care.
Complication 1: Infection (Peri-Implantitis)
This is the most common complication. Peri-implantitis is an infection of the gum and bone around the implant. It’s kind of like gum disease—but specifically around an implant.
Signs to watch for:
- Swelling or redness around the implant
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing
- Bad breath or a foul taste
- Pain or tenderness in the area
Causes:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Smoking
- Untreated gum disease
What we do:
We’ll clean the area, prescribe antibiotics if needed, and recommend changes to your hygiene routine. In advanced cases, we may need to perform a deep cleaning or minor surgery.
But here’s the thing—if you brush, floss, and come in for regular cleanings, your risk drops dramatically.
Complication 2: Implant Failure or Loosening
Dental implants are designed to fuse with your jawbone. When that doesn’t happen, or if the bone breaks down later, the implant may feel loose.
Signs to watch for:
- Movement in the implant
- Discomfort when biting or chewing
- Clicking or shifting sensation
Causes:
- Poor bone quality
- Overloading the implant too soon
- Infection
- Smoking or certain medications
What we do:
We’ll take X-rays to check bone health and implant stability. If the implant can’t be saved, we may remove it, allow the area to heal, and try again later.
Don’t worry—it’s rare, and we plan carefully to avoid it. We use 3D imaging and guided surgery to get the placement just right.
Complication 3: Nerve Damage
Nerve issues are uncommon, but they’re serious when they happen. They usually result from the implant being placed too close to a nerve.
Signs to watch for:
- Numbness or tingling in the lips, chin, or tongue
- Burning sensation
- Persistent pain
Causes:
- Poor planning or lack of imaging
- Deep placement in the lower jaw
What we do:
This is why we use digital cone beam scans before every implant placement. It gives us a 3D view of your anatomy so we can avoid sensitive areas.
If symptoms appear, early treatment is critical. We may remove the implant or refer you to a specialist.
Complication 4: Sinus Problems (Upper Implants)
Upper jaw implants can sometimes poke into the sinus cavity. When that happens, you might feel pressure, sinus infections, or congestion.
Signs to watch for:
- Pressure or pain in the cheeks or above the implant
- Post-nasal drip or sinus congestion
Causes:
- Thin bone between jaw and sinus
- Improper placement
What we do:
We use 3D scans to measure bone depth before surgery. If the bone is too thin, we may recommend a sinus lift before implant placement.
These are routine procedures—and we’ve done plenty of them right here in Grand Prairie.
Complication 5: Implant Fracture
It doesn’t happen often, but implants can break under extreme pressure. Usually this happens if they’re overloaded or the bite isn’t aligned properly.
Signs to watch for:
- Sudden pain when biting
- Feeling or hearing a “crack”
- Loose implant or crown
Causes:
- Grinding teeth
- Poor crown fit or placement
- Using teeth to open things (please don’t)
What we do:
We’ll assess the damage and determine whether the implant or just the crown needs replacement. A mouthguard may also be recommended to prevent future issues.
Preventing Dental Implant Complications
Good news: most complications can be prevented with proper planning, care, and communication.
Here’s what we recommend:
- Share your full health history with us—medications, conditions, everything
- Stop smoking before and after surgery
- Practice excellent daily hygiene
- Use a soft toothbrush and gentle flossers
- Come in for all follow-ups and cleanings
If anything feels “off,” call us early. It’s always better to check than to wait.
What to Expect from Our Implant Process
At Gentle Grand Prairie Dentist, we’ve placed hundreds of implants with outstanding results. Why? Because we take time to plan things right.
Here’s what your implant journey might look like:
- Initial consultation and digital scan
- Personalized treatment plan
- Bone graft or sinus lift (if needed)
- Implant placement
- Healing phase
- Final crown placement
We’re with you every step of the way—and always available if questions or concerns come up.
Final Thoughts: Complications Are Manageable
Dental implants are an amazing solution for missing teeth. And while complications can happen, they’re usually preventable—and fixable.
When you partner with the right team (hi, that’s us), you’ll feel supported, informed, and in good hands.
Call Gentle Grand Prairie Dentist at 972-988-0900 to schedule a consultation or ask a question. We’re happy to help.
