Most patients report mild discomfort during the dental implant procedure. The dentist numbs the treatment area before beginning, so you should only feel pressure during the surgery.

You may experience some soreness, minor bleeding, and tenderness afterwards. These can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. They should go away in a few days. If you’re experiencing severe pain, see your dentist immediately.

Dental implants are an increasingly popular option for replacing missing teeth, and with good reason – they boast a success rate of 90%-95%.

There are a few factors that can negatively affect the success of dental implants, such as:

• Bone loss: Adequate bone is needed for dental implants to succeed. A bone graft may be necessary if there is not enough bone in the jaw to support the implant.
• Smoking: Smokers are at a greater risk for complications and implant failure. This is because smoking can impede the healing process and delay recovery.
• Poor oral hygiene: If you do not take care of your remaining teeth and gums, this can lead to gum disease or infection, increasing the risk of implant failure. Not brushing can cause plaque buildup, which leads to decay of remaining teeth and gum disease.
• Systemic conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes and autoimmune diseases, can increase the risk of implant failure.
• Experience of the oral surgeon: Choose a surgeon with vast experience in placing implants and a good success rate.
• Periodontal disease: Having active gum or periodontal disease can affect the success of dental implants. Periodontal disease is a serious gum infection that can damage the bones supporting your teeth and lead to implant failure.
• Implant size and type: Larger implants have a higher success rate than smaller implants, and certain types of implants are more likely to fail than others.
• Bone density: If the bone is too soft, it may not be able to support the implant. In general, however, dental implants are a safe and effective way to restore your smile.

While dental implants are the most favoured tooth replacement option, there are some limitations to consider before having the procedure. These include:

• Bone loss: After dental implant placement, minimal bone loss is expected as the bone remodels around the implant. During the first year, 1-1.5mm bone loss is acceptable, and 0.2mm thereafter. 
• Surgery: Another thing to consider is that dental implants require surgery. Because it’s an invasive procedure, you’ll be exposed to risks and potential complications. Examples are nerve damage, infection, and damage to adjacent teeth and surrounding tissues, among many others.
• Prohibitive cost: Dental implant surgery isn’t cheap. A single dental implant will set you back \$5,000-\$7,000. If you need additional procedures such as a bone graft, sinus lift, gum graft, or tooth removal, you’ll pay more on top of the dental implant cost.

If you are considering dental implants, talk to your dentist about the potential limitations before making a decision.

Dental implant surgery is not recommended for children or adolescents. Their bones are still growing, and they may reject the implant. The same is true for older adults who have severe bone loss due to age.