Dental implants are one of the most predictable and successful treatments in modern dentistry—with a success rate hovering around 95%. That’s impressive! But like any procedure, there are risks. Complications can happen, even in the best hands.
At Fountain of Youth Dental in San Antonio, we believe knowledge is power. The more you understand what could go wrong, the better you can protect your investment—and your smile.
This guide covers the most common dental implant complications, how to spot early warning signs, and how we help prevent and treat issues if they arise.
Infection Around the Implant (Peri-Implantitis)
Peri-implantitis is one of the most common implant-related issues. It’s an infection that affects the gum and bone around the implant, similar to gum disease.
It often starts silently. You might not feel any pain at first. But over time, the tissue gets inflamed, bone starts to recede, and the implant may loosen or fail if left untreated.
Warning signs include:
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums near the implant
- Persistent bad breath or foul taste
- Sensitivity or tenderness
- Implant feels slightly mobile
What we do:
At Fountain of Youth Dental, we catch peri-implantitis early through routine cleanings and exams. If needed, we provide non-surgical deep cleaning, laser therapy, or minor surgical procedures to restore gum and bone health. We’ll also review your home care habits and suggest improvements if needed.
Implant Doesn’t Integrate with the Bone
A dental implant needs to fuse with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration. If that doesn’t happen, the implant may stay loose or fail.
This usually shows up during the healing phase, before the crown is placed.
Possible causes:
- Poor bone quality or volume
- Smoking
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Infection at the site
What we do:
If integration fails, we remove the implant, allow the area to heal, and reassess. Many patients can still move forward with another implant after bone grafting or other prep work.
We use 3D imaging and careful planning to avoid this situation as much as possible. And we only move forward when conditions are right.
Nerve Damage
This one sounds scary—and it can be serious—but it’s also very rare. Nerve damage occurs when an implant is placed too close to a major nerve in the jaw.
What to watch for:
- Tingling or numbness in the lips, chin, or tongue
- Sharp pain or burning sensation
- Sensory changes that don’t go away
What we do:
We use digital cone beam CT scans before every implant procedure to map your nerves in detail. This allows us to plan the safest, most precise implant placement possible.
If nerve symptoms do occur, early intervention is key. We may adjust the implant or refer you to a specialist if needed.
Sinus Complications
Upper jaw implants—especially in the back of the mouth—are located close to the sinus cavity. If the implant extends into the sinus, it can cause pressure, infection, or chronic sinus issues.
Symptoms include:
- Congestion or sinus pressure
- Sinus infections following surgery
- Pain in the upper jaw or cheeks
What we do:
We evaluate bone height and sinus position during your planning phase. If bone is too thin, we may recommend a sinus lift procedure before placing the implant. It’s a common, safe treatment that builds up support where needed.
We’ve done this many times—it’s nothing to stress about.
Mechanical Issues: Loose Crowns, Screws, or Fractures
Implant parts—like the crown, abutment, or screw—can occasionally come loose or break. It’s frustrating, but usually fixable.
What to look for:
- Clicking sounds when chewing
- Loose or wobbly implant crown
- Visible gap or break in the restoration
What we do:
We’ll assess whether the problem is with the implant itself or the components. In most cases, we can tighten or replace a damaged part without removing the implant.
Regular checkups help us catch these early and avoid long-term stress.
Preventing Implant Complications
You can’t control everything—but there’s a lot you can do to protect your dental implants. We’ll help every step of the way, but here’s what we recommend:
- Brush twice a day with a soft toothbrush
- Floss or use a water flosser daily
- Don’t smoke—it greatly increases complication risk
- Visit us every 3 to 6 months for professional cleanings
- Let us know right away if anything feels off
Consistent maintenance makes a massive difference in long-term success. And we’re always happy to answer your questions along the way.
How We Set You Up for Success
At Fountain of Youth Dental, we don’t take shortcuts. We plan every dental implant with precision using advanced imaging, experienced surgical technique, and personalized follow-up care.
We also listen. Your comfort and confidence are just as important to us as the final result. From your first consultation to your last follow-up, we’re with you every step.
If you’re considering implants—or want to check on existing ones—call us today at (210) 614-5481. We’ll give you honest answers and exceptional care.
