What are the risks of getting an implant? A guide to common medical devices

September 22, 2025 •

4 min read

According to FDA data, many medical implants are not considered lifetime devices and may require reoperation due to complications. If you are considering a medical device, understanding what are the risks of getting an implant is crucial for making an informed health decision.

Quick Summary

All medical implants carry inherent risks, including infection, implant failure, and systemic reactions, but the specific complications vary significantly depending on the implant type, a patient's health, and proper aftercare.

Key Points

Infection Risk: All surgical implants carry a risk of infection at the site, which can be mitigated with proper hygiene and antibiotics, and sometimes requires implant removal.
Device-Specific Failures: Risks vary widely; dental implants can fail due to poor bone integration (osseointegration), while breast implants face issues like rupture or capsular contracture.
Systemic Reactions: Some implants, notably breast implants, are linked to systemic symptoms known as Breast Implant Illness (BII) and rare forms of cancer like BIA-ALCL.
Patient Health Factors: Lifestyle choices like smoking and pre-existing conditions such as diabetes or gum disease can significantly increase the risk of implant failure.
The Importance of Experience: The skill and experience of the implanting surgeon, along with proper aftercare, are crucial to minimizing risks and ensuring a successful outcome.
Not Lifetime Devices: Many implants are not permanent and may require additional surgeries for revision or removal over time due to wear, complications, or other issues.

Understanding the Universal Risks of Implant Procedures

While specific risks differ greatly between implant types, there are general surgical complications that apply to any procedure involving an implanted device. These are standard considerations for any surgery but are particularly important to discuss with your healthcare provider before proceeding.

General Surgical Complications

Infection: Infection is a risk with any surgery, occurring either at the surgical site or around the device after placement. Proper pre-operative protocols and post-operative care, including hygiene and antibiotic use, are vital to minimize this risk. An infection can compromise the implant's stability and may necessitate its removal.
Nerve and Tissue Damage: During placement, it is possible for surrounding nerves, blood vessels, or other tissue structures to be injured. Nerve damage can cause pain, numbness, or tingling, which may be temporary or, in rare cases, permanent.
Bleeding and Swelling: It is normal to experience some bleeding, bruising, and swelling at the surgical site. Excessive or prolonged bleeding, however, can lead to a hematoma (a collection of blood), which may need to be drained.
Anesthesia Risks: Adverse reactions to anesthesia, including nausea, dizziness, or more serious complications, are a consideration for any surgery, including implant procedures.

A Closer Look at Specific Implant Risks

To provide comprehensive information on what are the risks of getting an implant, it is essential to examine different types of medical implants individually. The potential for complications varies widely based on the device, its location, and the patient's physiology.

Dental Implants: From Jawbone to Prosthetics

Dental implants are a highly successful solution for missing teeth, but they are not without risk. Success rates are high, but failure can occur for several reasons.

Early and Late Dental Implant Complications

Osseointegration Failure: This is the most critical step, where the implant fuses with the jawbone. If the bone fails to properly integrate, the implant will be unstable and likely fail. Factors like poor bone density, medical conditions, or excessive pressure can contribute to this.
Peri-implantitis: An infection of the gum and bone tissue around the implant, similar to periodontal disease. It can lead to bone loss and eventual implant failure if not addressed through strict oral hygiene.
Sinus Issues: For implants placed in the upper jaw, there is a risk of the implant protruding into the sinus cavities. Careful preoperative imaging is essential to prevent this.

Breast Implants: Considering Cosmetic and Reconstructive Risks

Breast implants have a long history, but patient health is an ongoing focus. The FDA closely monitors outcomes and complications associated with both saline and silicone implants.

Comparing Silicone and Saline Implant Risks


Risk	Silicone Implants	Saline Implants
Rupture/Deflation	Ruptures can be "silent" and go unnoticed without screening. Cohesive gel typically stays contained within the capsule.	Deflation is immediately obvious as the implant collapses and the saline is absorbed harmlessly.
Capsular Contracture	A common complication where scar tissue tightens around the implant, leading to firmness, pain, and asymmetry. Can happen with both types.	Also a risk, occurring when the fibrous capsule around the implant hardens. The cause is unknown, but it is a frequent complication.
BIA-ALCL	A rare but serious immune system cancer linked to textured implants. Primarily associated with textured surfaces, though cases have involved smooth implants.	Also associated with a small risk, though the risk is higher with textured-surface implants.
Systemic Symptoms (BII)	Patients report systemic symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and joint pain, which may resolve after implant removal. Research is ongoing into the causes.	While possibly lower, patients with saline implants have also reported systemic symptoms, often referred to as Breast Implant Illness (BII).

Contraceptive Implants: Hormonal and Procedural Considerations

Contraceptive implants, like NEXPLANON, offer convenience but come with specific risks related to their hormonal effects.

Menstrual Changes: The most common side effect is a change in bleeding patterns, which can include heavier, longer periods or, conversely, no periods at all.
Hormonal Side Effects: Users may experience mood swings, headaches, weight gain, acne, and ovarian cysts.
Rare Pregnancy Risk: Though highly effective, failure is possible. If a pregnancy occurs, there is an increased risk of it being ectopic (outside the uterus).

Minimizing Implant Risks: Patient Responsibility and Preparation

Taking proactive steps can significantly influence the success and safety of any implant procedure.

Choose a Qualified Professional: Selecting an experienced and board-certified surgeon is paramount. Their skill in placement and understanding of potential complications is a key factor in your outcome.
Optimize Your Health: Certain health conditions, like uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune disorders, can increase risk. Quitting smoking is one of the most impactful steps a patient can take, as it restricts blood flow and impairs healing.
Follow Aftercare Instructions: Adhering strictly to your provider's post-operative guidelines is critical for proper healing and preventing infection.
Ongoing Monitoring: Many implants require routine checkups to ensure they are functioning correctly and to detect issues like silent ruptures or peri-implantitis early.
Report Concerns Promptly: If you experience unexpected pain, swelling, or systemic symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

To ensure you are fully informed about a medical device and its approved status, consult the authoritative source for regulatory information. For example, to research implant regulations and approvals, visit the official FDA website.

Conclusion

While the risks associated with implants can be significant, the vast majority of procedures are successful. Being fully informed about the potential for complications—whether they are general surgical risks or specific to a particular device—empowers patients to make the best decisions for their health. By choosing a qualified medical professional, optimizing your health, and committing to proper aftercare, you can significantly reduce your risk and increase the likelihood of a positive outcome. Open communication with your healthcare team is your best tool for navigating the process safely and effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most common cause of late-stage dental implant failure is peri-implantitis, an infection affecting the bone and tissue around the implant, which is often linked to poor oral hygiene. Early failure can be caused by a lack of proper osseointegration, or bone fusion.

True rejection, like with organ transplants, is rare because most modern implants use biocompatible materials like titanium. What is often perceived as rejection is usually an immune response to inflammation or infection, not the material itself.

Capsular contracture occurs when the natural scar tissue capsule that forms around a breast implant tightens and squeezes the implant. This can cause the breast to feel hard, change shape, and be painful, potentially requiring further surgery to correct.

Yes, contraceptive implants can cause side effects, most commonly changes in menstrual bleeding patterns, but also mood swings, headaches, and weight changes. There's also a low, but increased, risk of ectopic pregnancy if you do conceive.

Smoking significantly increases the risk of implant failure because nicotine restricts blood flow, impairing the body's ability to heal and integrate with the implant. Studies show a much higher failure rate for smokers compared to non-smokers.

Signs of a problem vary by implant type but can include persistent or increasing pain, swelling, redness, fever, implant movement or shifting, and changes in sensation. You should contact your healthcare provider if you notice any concerning symptoms.

Regular follow-up appointments are crucial for monitoring implant health. For example, those with silicone breast implants may require regular MRI screenings to detect silent ruptures, while dental implant patients need continuous, diligent oral hygiene.