This article was updated August 2026.
Dental implants are widely regarded as the gold standard for tooth replacement, and for good reason. They are durable, functional, and designed to last a lifetime. For most patients, the decision to pursue implants is one they are glad they made. At the same time, implants are a surgical procedure, and like any surgical procedure, they carry risks that deserve honest consideration.
Understanding both sides of the equation clearly is what allows patients to make confident, well-informed decisions. Below is a straightforward look at the primary benefits of dental implants and the risks worth knowing about before you move forward.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
They function like natural teeth
Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that replicates the full structure of a natural tooth, from the root up. Because the implant post anchors directly into the jawbone, patients recover the ability to bite, chew, and speak without restriction. Foods that are off-limits for denture wearers, and the self-consciousness that often accompanies removable prostheses, are not part of the implant experience.
They preserve jawbone health
When a tooth is lost, the jawbone in that area begins to deteriorate due to lack of stimulation. Dental implants are the only replacement option that addresses this problem directly. By integrating with the bone and mimicking the function of a natural tooth root, implants slow or halt bone loss and help maintain the structure of the jaw and the appearance of the face over time. Dentures and bridges do not provide this benefit.
They protect neighboring teeth
Traditional fixed bridges require the grinding down of adjacent healthy teeth to serve as anchor points for the restoration. Dental implants stand independently, leaving surrounding teeth completely untouched. For patients with otherwise healthy dentition, this is a meaningful advantage.
They are designed to last a lifetime
With proper oral hygiene and regular dental care, the titanium implant post is built to remain in place permanently. The crown or prosthesis attached to it is durable and long-lasting, though it may eventually need replacement due to normal wear. Over a patient’s lifetime, implants typically require less intervention and fewer replacements than dentures or bridges.
They are easy to maintain
Implants are cleaned exactly like natural teeth, with regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental visits. There are no adhesives, no nightly removal routines, and no special soaking solutions. For most patients, implants integrate seamlessly into their existing oral hygiene habits.
They support long-term facial structure
The progressive bone loss that follows tooth extraction eventually affects the shape of the face, causing the cheeks and lips to take on a sunken appearance. Because implants preserve bone volume, they help maintain normal facial contours over time in a way that no other tooth replacement option fully achieves.
The Risks of Dental Implants
Implant failure
The most significant risk associated with dental implants is failure of the implant to integrate successfully with the bone, a process called osseointegration. This occurs in a minority of cases, with published success rates consistently at 95 percent or higher when implants are placed by a qualified surgeon. Risk factors for failure include:
- Smoking or tobacco use, which impairs healing and reduces blood flow to the surgical site
- Uncontrolled diabetes or other systemic conditions that affect the body’s ability to heal
- Insufficient bone density at the implant site
- Poor oral hygiene following surgery
- Certain medications, including some used to treat osteoporosis
A thorough pre-surgical evaluation allows the surgeon to identify these risk factors in advance and take steps to address them where possible.
Infection
As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection at the implant site. Peri-implantitis, an infection of the tissue surrounding an implant, is one of the more common complications associated with implants that have been in place for some time. It is largely preventable with consistent oral hygiene and routine professional care. When caught early, it is also treatable. Left unaddressed, it can threaten the stability of the implant.
Nerve or tissue involvement
Implants placed in the lower jaw carry a small risk of proximity to the inferior alveolar nerve, which can result in temporary or, in rare cases, lasting numbness or tingling in the lip, chin, or tongue. Upper jaw implants placed near the sinus cavities require careful planning to avoid sinus involvement. These risks are significantly reduced by working with a surgeon who uses advanced three-dimensional imaging and computer-guided navigation during the planning and placement process.
Surgical risks
Implant placement is a surgical procedure performed under anesthesia, and it carries the standard risks associated with any oral surgery, including bleeding, swelling, and reaction to anesthesia. At Athens Oral Surgery Center, Dr. Jonathan Tomlinson holds dual D.M.D. and M.D. degrees and completed advanced anesthesia and surgical training at the University of Maryland Medical Center. The practice maintains hospital-level safety protocols and full staff certification in BLS, ACLS, PALS, and ATLS, which collectively ensure that surgical risks are managed with the highest standard of care.
A longer treatment timeline
Dental implants are not an overnight solution. The process from consultation to final restoration typically spans several months, as the implant requires time to integrate with the bone before the permanent crown or prosthesis is attached. Patients who need bone grafting before implant placement will have a longer timeline still. For patients seeking immediate results, this timeline requires patience, though many can receive a temporary restoration during the healing period.
How to Minimize Implant Risks
The risks associated with dental implants are real, but most of them are manageable with proper preparation and the right surgical team. The most important steps a patient can take include:
- Choosing a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon with specific training and experience in implant placement
- Being transparent about medical history, medications, and lifestyle habits during the consultation
- Following all pre- and post-operative instructions carefully
- Maintaining consistent oral hygiene throughout the healing period and beyond
- Attending all follow-up appointments so the surgeon can monitor integration and catch any early signs of complications
Dr. Tomlinson is board certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and uses cone beam CT imaging and computer-guided navigation to plan and execute implant procedures with a level of precision that meaningfully reduces the risk of complications. Patients at Athens Oral Surgery Center benefit from that combination of advanced training and technology at every stage of their care.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
What is the most common complication after dental implant surgery?
The most common short-term complications are swelling, minor bleeding, and discomfort at the surgical site, all of which are normal parts of healing and typically resolve within a few days to a week. The most significant longer-term complication is peri-implantitis, an infection of the tissue surrounding the implant, which is largely preventable with consistent oral hygiene and routine professional care.
How do I know if I am a good candidate for dental implants?
The best way to determine candidacy is through a consultation with a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon that includes advanced imaging to assess your bone density and anatomy. General indicators of good candidacy include adequate jawbone volume, good overall health, non-smoker status or willingness to quit, and the absence of uncontrolled systemic conditions that could impair healing.
Can dental implants fail years after they are placed?
Yes, though late implant failure is less common than early failure. Late failure is most often associated with peri-implantitis, trauma to the implant site, or changes in overall health that affect bone density. Consistent oral hygiene and regular professional check-ups are the most reliable ways to protect long-term implant health.
Is dental implant surgery safe?
Dental implant surgery is considered a safe and well-established procedure when performed by a qualified surgeon in an appropriately equipped facility. As with any surgery, risks exist, but they are minimized when the patient is properly evaluated beforehand, the procedure is planned using advanced imaging, and post-operative care is followed conscientiously.
Call Athens Oral Surgery Center and Learn How We Can Help You
If you are considering dental implants, the most important next step is a consultation with a surgeon who can evaluate your specific situation and give you an honest picture of your options. At Athens Oral Surgery Center, Dr. Tomlinson and his team provide thorough evaluations, clear explanations, and personalized treatment plans built around your health and your goals.
Call us today at 706-549-5033 to schedule your consultation.
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