Pain and swelling post-procedure
CommonWhat: Manageable with paracetamol/ibuprofen. Resolves within a week.
How risk is reduced: Follow post-op instructions strictly.
NZ-specific risk guide
Risks of dental implants in New Zealand
Covers single, multiple and all-on-4 dental implants placed in NZ.
Last reviewed: 2026-05-27 · how we source risk data
Who is qualified to perform this in NZ
Placed by general dentists with additional training or by registered specialists (oral surgeons, periodontists, prosthodontists). All practitioners must be registered with the Dental Council of NZ. Specialists are listed in DCNZ specialist scopes.
Risks
Risks are categorised by frequency reported in NZ + Australasian surgical college guidance. None of this is a substitute for an individual clinical assessment by a registered practitioner.
Bruising
CommonWhat: Especially after multi-implant procedures.
How risk is reduced: Cold packs in the first 24 hours.
Implant failure (osseointegration failure)
UncommonWhat: Implant doesn't fuse with bone. NZ literature reports ~95-98% 10-year success in non-smokers; lower in smokers and diabetics.
How risk is reduced: Stop smoking pre-op, control diabetes, follow post-op care.
Peri-implantitis
UncommonWhat: Inflammation/infection around the implant, longer-term.
How risk is reduced: Strict oral hygiene and regular dental reviews lifelong.
Sinus problems (upper implants)
UncommonWhat: Implants in the upper jaw can perforate the sinus, requiring sinus lift.
How risk is reduced: Pre-op CBCT scan; sinus-lift procedure where indicated.
Aesthetic failure
UncommonWhat: Crown shows visible metal, gum recession, or colour mismatch.
How risk is reduced: Use a prosthodontist for complex aesthetic cases.
Nerve damage (lower implants)
RareWhat: Damage to the inferior alveolar nerve can cause numbness in lip/chin. Risk is reduced with pre-op CBCT.
How risk is reduced: CBCT pre-op; surgeon experience with lower-jaw implants.
Pre-procedure checklist
- Verify the dentist is DCNZ-registered. For specialist work, confirm the relevant DCNZ specialist scope.
- Get a written treatment plan with itemised costs (implant, abutment, crown, bone grafting if needed, follow-up).
- Disclose smoking status, diabetes and bone-density issues — all affect implant success.
- Discuss implant brand (Medsafe-notified) and warranty.
Red flags — stop and get a second opinion if you see these
- "Cheapest in NZ" pricing — investigate the implant brand and surgical setup.
- No 3D imaging (CBCT) for complex cases.
- No written warranty on the implant or restoration.
Call your clinic if you notice
- · Persistent pain or swelling past day 5
- · Discharge of pus from the surgical site
- · Numbness in lip or chin that doesn't resolve within 24 hours
- · Implant feels loose
When to call 111 / go to ED
Severe spreading facial swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, high fever — call 111 or go to ED.
Sources we reference
This page draws on NZ + Australasian surgical college guidance and NZ regulator publications. Full list:
- Dental Council NZ https://www.dcnz.org.nz/
Next steps
This page is general guidance about the kinds of risks documented for dental implants in New Zealand and Australia. It is not a substitute for an in-person clinical assessment. Risk profiles depend on the specific procedure, your individual health, the surgeon\'s experience and the facility. Always discuss your specific situation with a registered practitioner before consenting to any procedure.
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