Do Dental Implants Cause Cancer? A Comprehensive Look at the Evidence

In this article

Do Dental Implants Cause Cancer? Tooth decay and other dental diseases have become increasingly common in recent times. If you ask around, almost everyone will mention having at least one issue related to their teeth or gums. Don’t believe it? According to a study published in the Journal of Dental Research, there are approximately 190 million new cases of untreated tooth decay every year.

Moreover, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that globally, around 2.3 billion people suffer from decay in their permanent teeth, while 530 million children experience decay in their primary teeth. In the U.S. alone, experts estimate that about 178 million men and women have lost at least one tooth, and a staggering 40 million are missing all their natural teeth. This is a serious concern that needs urgent attention.

Those who have lost teeth often seek treatments like bridges, crowns, inlays, onlays, or fillings. One of the most popular solutions is dental implants, which are permanent and can prevent future dental issues. These implants involve inserting an artificial structure into the jawbone to serve as an anchor for a crown (artificial tooth).

However, there’s a rumor circulating that dental implants might lead to cancer. Is there any truth to this claim? Let’s find out.

Do Dental Implants Cause Cancer?

There is no evidence suggesting that dental implants cause cancer, particularly oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC). Let’s decode if there is any potential link between dental implants and cancer-based on research:

Current research does not confirm a direct link between dental implants and cancer. While there have been isolated cases where patients with dental implants developed OSCC, a clear cause-and-effect relationship has not been established. In a systematic review of 18 cases involving osseointegrated implants, only 7 had no prior history of oral cancer.

This suggests that while an association between implants and OSCC may exist in certain cases, it does not imply that dental implants are the direct cause.

Hence, there is no certain evidence showing that dental implants cause cancer but there are several other factors associated with a high risk of OSCC such as:

Inflammation around the implant site, especially in cases of peri-implantitis (inflammation of the tissues surrounding the implant), is seen as a risk factor.
Not taking care of your oral health further exacerbates conditions such as per-implantitis, which may increase the risk of oral cancer.
Smoking is a well-known risk factor for both implant failure and oral cancer. Individuals who smoke are at a significantly higher risk of developing OSCC.
Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to cancer, and while implants themselves may not cause cancer, they could exacerbate pre-existing conditions.

Addressing Misconception:

Dental implants are made up of biocompatible materials such as titanium, which has been extensively tested for safety and there is no scientific evidence suggesting titanium implants cause cancer. In countries like the United States, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) regulates and approves dental implant systems, ensuring they meet international safety standards before being available to patients.
Another misconception that circulates is the belief that dental implants can stimulate abnormal cell growth, possibly leading to cancer. However, this concern is based on a misunderstanding of the osseointegration process. The integration of a titanium implant into the jawbone does not promote cancerous growth.

Benefits of dental implants

Do Dental Implants Cause Cancer? A Comprehensive Look at the Evidence

Yes, in most cases dental implants are safe particularly when performed by qualified dentists or oral surgeons. There are several benefits of dental implants such as:

They are long-lasting and studies have suggested that they have a survival rate of over 97% for 10 years, surpassing the longevity of alternatives like dentures and bridges.
When you lose a tooth the bone in that area starts to deteriorate causing several complications but dental implants help prevent bone loss by stimulating the jaw.
They look and feel similar to natural teeth and they are considered more comfortable than dentures.
Missing teeth can cause surrounding teeth to shift, affecting your bite. Implants prevent this by filling the gap and keeping your other teeth stable and aligned.
They also enhance confidence and overall quality of your daily life functions, such as eating, speaking, smiling, etc.

Risks associated with dental implants

However, like any medical procedure, there are associated risks that patients must consider before moving forward with the surgery. These risks vary based on the patient’s overall health, age, and lifestyle habits.

During the implant surgery, there is a risk of damaging nearby teeth, nerves, or sinus cavities. The procedure involves drilling into the jawbone, which requires precision to avoid injury. Nerve damage, while rare, can lead to numbness, tingling, or pain in the lips, chin, or gums.
Implants integrated with the jawbone loosen over, which can result in insufficient jawbone density and also may decrease the patient’s ability to heal correctly.
Post-surgical infections can occur at the implant site if bacteria enter during or after the surgery. This risk is heightened in individuals with pre-existing gum disease or those who do not follow post-operative care instructions. Infections can delay healing or lead to implant failure.
There is also a risk of implants protruding into the sinus cavity, leading to discomfort and sinus issues.
Note: These complications from dental implants are relatively uncommon, mainly in people maintaining good health. According to studies, dental implants have a high success rate, with 93% of implants surviving over 20 years in healthy patients.

Does Dental Implants Hurt?

While the idea and the procedure of dental implants may seem daunting and uneasy the procedure itself is done under local or general anesthesia which numbs the pain. Patients may experience some discomfort or mild pain after the surgery, but this can be managed with pain medications. The discomfort typically subsides within a few days as the healing process begins.

KeyTakeaways

While there are isolated reports of oral cancer in patients with dental implants, there is no substantial evidence that dental implants directly cause cancer.

The factors that could contribute to an increased risk, such as chronic inflammation, poor oral hygiene, and smoking, are more likely to play a role than the implant itself.

Further research is needed to fully understand any potential risks, but for now, dental implants remain a safe and effective solution for tooth loss when performed by skilled professionals.