Dental implant failure is not very common, but it can still happen, even when you take care of your implants and use good equipment. It is not like organ transplants, where rejection by the body is a primary concern. Dental implant failure is more complex and is often intertwined with your general health, surgical procedure, and how you maintain it after the procedure. It is important for you to be able to identify the signs of dental implant failure and know what may cause it in order to consciously prevent it. That’s exactly what we will be talking about in this article, so let’s get to it!
Causes of implant failure
Here are some of the reasons why your dental implants may fail. We’ve divided them into the early and late stages of your implant installation for better guidance.
Early dental implant failure
- Osseointegration Issues: Successful implantation relies on proper fusion with the jawbone. Osseointegration issues, such as inadequate bone density or integration, can lead to early dental implant failure.
- Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Excessive teeth grinding exerts undue pressure on implants. This may hinder osseointegration and cause instability.
- Allergic Reactions: Rare cases involve allergic reactions to implant materials, such as titanium, potentially leading to inflammation and implant rejection.
- Poor Impressions: Incorrect impressions during prosthetic fabrication can result in ill-fitting implants, compromising stability and longevity.
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Late dental implant failure
- Infection: Peri-implant infections, like peri-implantitis, can develop due to bacterial growth around the implant, leading to tissue inflammation and bone loss.
- Nerve Damage: Surgical complications or improper implant placement may damage nerves close to the implant site, causing persistent pain, numbness, or tingling.
- Implant Micromovement: Microscopic movements during osseointegration hinder stable fusion with the jawbone, contributing to long-term dental implant failure.
- Bone Support Issues: Insufficient bone density or quality can undermine implant stability, increasing the risk of late-stage failure.
- Medical Conditions: Systemic conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, osteoporosis, or autoimmune diseases may impair healing and lead to dental implant failure.
- Inexperienced Surgeon: Surgical errors or inadequate training can lead to implant misplacement, improper tissue handling, or other procedural complications. This is why you should choose only qualified dentists for your procedure.
Signs that your implants are failing
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Looseness or movement of the implant
A stable dental implant should feel firmly anchored in place, just like your surrounding natural teeth. If you notice any looseness or movement of the implant, like twisting or shifting, that tells you that there is a problem. It may mean that the implant is not properly fused to the jawbone or that the structural support has been compromised.
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Difficulty chewing
Implants are amazing because you can chew and bite easily with them, just like your natural teeth. So, if you notice persistent difficulties or discomfort while chewing, including uneven pressure distribution or pain. It may mean that your implants are unstable or misaligned.
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Gum inflammation or recession
Healthy gums play an important role in supporting dental implants and maintaining oral health. Any signs of gum inflammation, like redness, swelling, or tenderness around the implant site are signs of dental implant failure, and need investigation. Also, gum recession (where the gum tissue pulls away from the implant, exposing the underlying structures), may mean that you have underlying issues like infection or inadequate tissue support.
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Swelling
Facial swelling, particularly around the implant area, is often an early indication of inflammation or infection. While some degree of swelling is normal immediately following surgery, persistent or worsening swelling beyond that is abnormal and needs to be assessed. If the swelling is accompanied by warmth or tenderness, it may mean you have underlying complications that require professional management.
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Pain or discomfort:
While discomfort during the initial healing phase is common after dental implant surgery, persistent or escalating pain is cause for concern. If you are experiencing prolonged or intense pain, especially if accompanied by throbbing sensations or sensitivity, you should seek immediate dental attention. Effective pain management and identification of underlying issues are very important to the integrity of your implants and your overall oral health.
How to prevent dental implant failure
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Good oral hygiene:
You should maintain good oral hygiene to prevent dental implant failure. This involves brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing regularly. Also, go for regular dental check-ups and cleanings to detect and address any issues with your implants as early as possible. It is your dentist’s job to tell you how to take care of your implants after they are installed, so ask them if they don’t.
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Preparation and planning:
The success of your implants also rests heavily on the preparation stage. Your dentist must thoroughly evaluate your medical history and oral health status to be sure that you are eligible for dental implant surgery. They must consider factors such as bone density, implant placement, and prosthetic design, or you will most likely suffer dental implant failure.
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Adjust your lifestyle
We always advise our patients to quit smoking at least two weeks before implant surgery and abstain from smoking during the recovery period. Smoking compromises blood flow and works against healing, increasing the risk of dental implant failure. Also, limit your alcohol intake before and after surgery, as excessive alcohol can impair immune function and delay healing.
What to do if your dental implants fail
Your first point of call should be your dentist. They will discuss the treatment options are available to address the issue effectively with you:
1. Replacement
If the dental implant has failed, one option is to remove it and replace it with a new implant. This process may involve gently extracting the existing prosthetic and allowing sufficient time for the area to heal before placing a new implant. Replacement implants are typically considered if the surrounding bone remains intact and can support a new implant.
2. Bone grafting:
In cases where the bone surrounding the failed dental implant is insufficient or has not healed properly, bone grafting may be necessary. This procedure involves transplanting bone tissue to reinforce the jawbone and provide adequate support for a new implant. This will improve the success rate of any subsequent implant placement.
3. Alternative methods:
Depending on the specific circumstances and your preferences, your dentist may consider alternative methods for tooth replacement. These may include options like dental bridges, partial dentures, or full dentures.
Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth, but when they fail, it can be a very unpleasant experience. Your oral health is very important, and should not be toyed with. This is why you should choose a dentist that is known to deliver good results. At our clinic, we have installed thousands of implants, helping our patients smile again with confidence. Feel free to reach out to us to book a consultation if you are considering getting implants. We’re here for you!
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