There are countless blogs and articles highlighting the benefits of dental implants — and for good reason. In many cases, implants are considered the treatment of choice for replacing missing teeth because they offer several key advantages:
That said, these points are widely discussed online. So instead of repeating the same information, we thought we’d take a different approach and explore some of the potential challenges and drawbacks of dental implants.
According to the Academy of Osseointegration, dental implants do come with some potential drawbacks, including:
Let’s take a closer look at each of these disadvantages in more detail…
After a dental implant is placed, stitches are often required, and it’s important to take extra care during the healing period. In the first few days, stick to soft, nutritious foods and stay well hydrated to support recovery. The good news is that the mouth is one of the fastest-healing parts of the body, so most people return to normal fairly quickly after implant surgery.
In some cases, however, there may not be enough bone in the jaw to support an implant. When this happens, additional procedures such as bone grafting or augmentation may be needed. These treatments are more invasive and usually involve a longer healing time before the implant can be placed successfully.
It’s true that dental implants can be more costly upfront. The overall price, including the surgery, implant components, and final crown, is often around £2,000. At first glance, this may seem high compared to alternatives. However, when you spread this investment over the expected lifespan of an implant — often 20 years or more — the cost works out at less than 30p per day.
Many dental practices also provide flexible payment options, including interest-free finance, to make treatment more accessible. Think about it this way: people often take out finance for a car, yet cars lose value quickly and rarely last beyond a decade. A dental implant, on the other hand, can last many years and is used every single day — even while you sleep. Viewed in that light, it’s not just a treatment, but a long-term investment in your smile and overall quality of life.
A dental implant is made up of several parts, each playing an important role in creating a stable and natural-looking replacement tooth:
This multi-component system allows implants to be fully customised to each patient’s needs. However, it also means that, on rare occasions, one of these components may fail or require adjustment. The reassuring news is that dental implants have an excellent long-term track record, with success rates typically exceeding 90%.
Crowns placed on dental implants can be slightly more prone to fracture compared to crowns fitted on natural teeth. This is because natural teeth are supported by the periodontal ligament, which acts like a cushion and absorbs some of the pressure from biting and chewing. With a dental implant, this cushioning is absent, meaning the forces are transferred directly to the crown.
While fractures are not common, it’s important for patients with implants to understand that the natural shock-absorbing effect is reduced, and extra care may be needed to protect the crown over time.
Dental implants are made from medical-grade titanium, a material that integrates naturally with the jawbone. Remarkably, the body does not recognise titanium as a foreign object, which is why implants can fuse so successfully with bone.
The potential side effects are relatively limited. The main risks include:
It’s worth noting that certain lifestyle factors can increase these risks. Smoking, in particular, is linked to a higher chance of implant failure and slower healing. For the best chance of long-term success, patients are strongly advised to avoid smoking before and after implant treatment.
Unlike natural teeth, dental implants cannot develop cavities. However, they can still become infected if not properly cared for. Just like with natural teeth, plaque can build up around the implant crown. If this plaque isn’t removed through daily cleaning, it can irritate the surrounding gums. Over time, this irritation may progress to inflammation and, eventually, infection of the gum and bone. This condition is known as peri-implantitis.
When detected early, peri-implantitis can often be treated successfully, helping to preserve the implant. But if the infection is left to progress, the implant may become loose or compromised and, in some cases, may need to be removed.
For this reason, it’s essential to maintain excellent oral hygiene and continue attending regular dental check-ups — just as you would with natural teeth. Certain groups, such as smokers and people with diabetes, are at a higher risk of developing peri-implantitis and should take extra care with implant maintenance.
There are a few warning signs that may indicate a problem with a dental implant. These can include:
Research published in the International Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Implants found that certain groups are more likely to experience implant failure. These include:
Despite these risk factors, the overall rate of implant failure remains very low. There are no absolute contraindications to implant placement, but factors that may increase risk should always be considered during treatment planning and clearly discussed with patients as part of the informed consent process.
Yes — dental implants are often an excellent solution for replacing missing teeth. That said, they are not the only option. A thorough treatment plan should always outline all possible choices, which may include doing nothing, opting for dentures, or considering dental bridges.
It’s important to remember that placing dental implants is a highly skilled procedure that requires expertise and precision. For the best outcomes, treatment should always be carried out by a qualified professional with experience in implant dentistry.
