950 Francis Pl #305, Clayton, MO 63105 Mon-Thu 7am-4pm · Fri 7am-3pm

Are Dental Implants Safe? What You Need to Know

Are dental implants safe? Yes, they are a safe and effective option for tooth replacement. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Dental implants have become a popular solution for replacing missing teeth due to their durability, functionality, and natural appearance. However, many patients wonder: Are dental implants safe? At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we prioritize patient safety and aim to provide clear, evidence-based information to help you make informed decisions.

The Dental Anesthesia Center utilizes the latest techniques and technology to ensure patient safety and optimal results. Consult our expert team to determine if dental implants are right for you.

dental - sedation
I came here with my 18 year old daughter who has an immense fear of Doctors and Dentist , The kindness and understanding without any judgement we received from Dr.Thom was just unbelievable. The work he did on my daughter was life changing for her . I would recommend him to anyone . Just amazing, kind talented Doctor.
We met Dr. Shawn in Sept 2023 and in December, he removed our adult nonverbal son's wisdom teeth. Not gonna hold you, general anesthesia is billed incrementally (by the minute/quarter-hour) and is a heavy financial investment. I love this clinic because it really is a safe space for special needs families. There's a huge calm that accompanies knowing your dependent person is getting healthy. Dr. Shawn is exceptional. We drove 6 hours to get here so we'll choose a local practice for routine sedation cleanings down the road. I hope to see more neurodivergent acceptance built locally in our state's dentistry like this team has here. Meanwhile we are so grateful for this practice and grateful our son was in Dr. Shawn's care.
Dr. Thoms and Robin are excellent in their care, concern, and support. Dr. Thoms explains everything and takes his time. If I have questions or concerns, he is easy to talk to and listens well.Robin is right there by my side throughout procedures. Her technical skills and professionalism are impressive. She is terrific!
Individualized care, expertise in general anesthesia, and attention to detail are why we keep returning for our son.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and continued trust in our team! We’re grateful to be part of your family’s care and truly appreciate your confidence in us.
Omg!! This place is Amazing! The people who work here are so very nice and understanding. I love this team
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words! We truly appreciate your support and are grateful to have such wonderful patients.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made from biocompatible materials like titanium. They are surgically placed into the jawbone to support replacement teeth, such as crowns or dentures (Mayo Clinic).

Safety of Dental Implants

Dental implants have a high success rate of 95-98%, making them one of the safest and most reliable dental procedures available today (American Dental Association).

Common Concerns About Dental Implants

  • Infection: As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection, but proper oral hygiene and post-surgical care significantly reduce this risk (Cleveland Clinic).
  • Nerve Damage: Although rare, nerve damage can occur, leading to numbness or tingling in the gums, lips, or chin. An experienced dental surgeon minimizes this risk with precise techniques (WebMD).
  • Sinus Issues: For implants placed in the upper jaw, there is a risk of affecting the sinus cavity, but careful planning and imaging help prevent complications (Healthline).

Benefits That Outweigh the Risks

  • Durability: Dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care.
  • Improved Oral Health: Unlike bridges, implants don’t require altering adjacent teeth.
  • Natural Appearance: Implants provide a natural look and feel, boosting confidence.
  • Enhanced Functionality: They restore chewing and speaking abilities effectively (Colgate).

Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

Most healthy individuals with sufficient bone density are candidates for dental implants. With proper management, patients with chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease may still qualify (Mayo Clinic).

Advances in Dental Implant Safety

Modern dental technology, such as 3D imaging and computer-guided surgery, has significantly improved the accuracy and safety of dental implant placement (American Academy of Implant Dentistry).

Updated: February 21, 2025