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Dental Expert

The Risks and Complications of Dental Implants (And How to Avoid Them)

By Dr. Kinnar Shah | Cosmetic Dentist & Implant Mentor | SmileConcepts Sydney
29 July 2025

Dental implants have transformed the lives of millions. They’re strong, natural-looking, and long-lasting. 

But, let’s be honest:

Like any medical or surgical procedure, implants aren’t completely risk-free.

That doesn’t mean you should be scared. It means you should be informed. And in this blog, I’ll walk you through the potential risks of dental implants, how common they really are, and most importantly, how to avoid them altogether.

Because when done right, dental implants are one of the safest, most predictable procedures in modern dentistry.

Are Dental Implants Safe?

Yes, absolutely, when done correctly. Modern dental implant systems have success rates of over 95%, even over 10 years.

But complications can still happen, especially when shortcuts are taken or when individual health factors are ignored.

That’s why at SmileConcepts, we don’t just place implants. We plan meticulously, scan thoroughly, and only proceed when we know the risks are minimal.

The Most Common Dental Implant Risks

Here are the most recognised complications associated with dental implants:

1. Infection at the implant site (peri-implantitis)

Usually caused by poor oral hygiene or improper technique. If untreated, it can lead to implant failure. Without treatment, it can result in implant failure.

How to avoid it:

  • Use a water flosser
  • Attend regular check-ups
  • Choose a dentist who uses sterile, guided surgical protocols

2. Implant not integrating with bone (implant failure)

Rare, but it happens when the implant doesn’t fuse properly with the jawbone.

Risk factors include:

  • Smoking
  • Diabetes
  • Bone loss
  • Cheap implant systems

How to avoid it:

  • Get a 3D scan before treatment
  • Work with an experienced implantologist
  • Follow post-op instructions strictly

3. Nerve damage or numbness

Happens when implants are placed too close to a nerve—more common in freehand surgery.

How to avoid it:

  • Use digital-guided implant surgery with 3D planning (our standard at SmileConcepts)
  • Never accept treatment without a 3D scan
  • Ensure your clinician explains the surgical risks

4. Sinus complications (for upper implants)

Implants placed in the upper back jaw can protrude into the sinus if not carefully planned.

How to avoid it:

  • Get a CBCT scan before treatment
  • If needed, do a sinus lift with proper healing time
  • Avoid “same-day” shortcuts if bone is insufficient

5. Mechanical failure (implant, crown, or screw)

This could mean a loose abutment, chipped crown, or broken screw.

Usually due to:

  • Poor bite design
  • Cheap lab work
  • No night guard for grinding

How to avoid it:

  • Ensure bite force is properly balanced
  • Use high-quality components
  • Wear a night guard if recommended

The Hidden Risk: Choosing the Wrong Provider

Here’s a risk patients often overlook:

Choosing a clinic based on price instead of precision.

I’ve seen dozens of patients who had implants placed overseas or at low-cost clinics, only to come back with infections, failing implants, or zero aftercare support.

Ask yourself:

  • Was the implant digitally guided or placed freehand?
  • What brand of implant was used?
  • Was the dentist qualified and experienced?
  • Who handles complications if something goes wrong?

If you don’t know the answers, you’re taking unnecessary risks.

At SmileConcepts, We Do It Differently

Here’s how we dramatically reduce risk for our patients:

  • 3D CBCT scans for every case
  • Digital-guided implant surgery for ultra-precise placement
  • Australian-made, proven implant systems
  • Over 20 years’ experience in complex implant cases
  • Clear, step-by-step instructions for post-op healing
  • Ongoing reviews and implant maintenance programs

You Deserve Safe, Predictable, Expert Care

Don’t gamble with your health, your smile, or your future. If you’ve heard horror stories, it’s not the implants that failed. It’s the planning, the process, or the provider.

With the right approach, dental implants are safe, strong, and designed to last decades.

Call (02) 9267 7777 or

Book a consultation today to find out how we can help you get safe, expert-led treatment, without compromise.

Smile Concepts is a high-end dental clinic in the heart of Sydney. To deliver the best service, we always prioritise your wellbeing so we can use our expertise to help you live a better life.

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Dr Manish Shah

Dr. Manish Shah is a cosmetic dentist with a special interest in porcelain veneers, dental implants and Invisalign in Sydney. 

Dr Kinnar Shah
BDS (Gla)

Dr. Kinnar Shah is a cosmetic dentist with a special interest in cometic dentistry, porcelain veneers and dental implants practising at Smile Concepts.