Dental implants have a high success rate of 97% after 10 years, but implant failures can still occur. Although implant failure is rare, understanding the causes and prevention strategies can result in more successful outcomes - and by recognizing the signs of a failing implant, you and your dentist can work together to prevent implant failure.
Affordable Dentures & Implants is a trusted provider of high-quality restorative dental solutions. Our professionals consider your full medical and dental history to minimize the risks of implant failure. With proper preparation and ongoing aftercare for each patient, we ensure your implants have the best chance for success.
What Causes Dental Implant Failure?
Although rare, dental implants can fail to integrate properly with the jawbone. Pre-existing health conditions, smoking, and oral hygiene habits all contribute to a successful healing process following a dental implant surgery. Some potential complications are easy to predict, such as those related to diabetes or insufficient bone density. Other issues can arise from bacterial infections or overloading an implant.
Why Dental Implants Fail
There are many different reasons why dental implant failure occurs. In many cases, the reason for an implant failure includes multiple factors.
Here are some of the most common causes:
Poor osseointegration – When the implant fails to bond with the bone, the implant fails, which can also cause a loss of jawbone mass and density.
Peri-implantitis – Infection around the implant, or peri-implantitis occurs due to poor oral hygiene, periodontitis, smoking, and overloading, causing pain and swelling.
Insufficient bone structure or density – Areas of the jawbone with insufficient bone may require a bone graft before an implant can be placed successfully.
Implant stress - Overloading or placing too much stress on the implant can cause failure if the implant was misaligned, placed prematurely, or otherwise healed improperly.
Diabetes – Patients with diabetes may take longer to heal following dental implant surgery and are more prone to developing infections that require immediate treatment.
Smoking – Smoking impairs blood flow, slowing down healing, and can also cause infection, which can potentially result in implant failure if it doesn’t heal properly.
Poor oral hygiene – Irregular oral hygiene practices increase the rate of implant failures if the gums become infected from bacteria and the implant shifts.
Bruxism – This condition can impact osseointegration and lead to higher chances of dental implant failure if bruxism is left untreated beforehand.
Osteoporosis – Patients with osteoporosis have a slightly higher chance of dental implant failure at approximately 10%.
Medications – Certain medications for heartburn and depression as well as chemotherapy, corticosteroids, and antibiotics can negatively affect bone metabolism.
Your dentist will help you evaluate your risk factors before getting an implant and address any possible issues that could cause a failure. If you notice that your implant is loose or failing, seeking immediate dental treatment is essential to prevent further adverse conditions.
Signs and Symptoms of Dental Implant Failure
Early implant rejection occurs within the first 4 months of surgery, whereas later implant rejection can happen over a year later. Recognizing the warning signs of implant failure ensures that you can seek treatment early enough to prevent or treat symptoms.
Here are some of the signs and symptoms to watch for after dental implant surgery:
Pain or discomfort near the implant site
Mobility or looseness of the implant
Swelling or infection around the implant
Irritation or burning sensation around the implant
Sudden allergic reaction
Difficulty chewing or speaking
Receding gum line
Loss of taste
If you start to notice the symptoms above, your body may be rejecting the dental implant. For patients exploring alternative options, understanding what dentures are made of can help you make an informed decision about the materials used and their suitability.
Although slight discomfort is to be expected after the initial surgery, persistent pain and discomfort that worsen over time are signs that something is wrong with the dental implant and that the implant may be failing.
Some pain and swelling are to be expected after dental implant surgery but should be manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers. If the pain becomes severe or occurs in throbbing waves, you need to call your dentist. Intense pain is often a sign of infection or another serious complication that requires immediate attention.
How to Prevent Dental Implant Failure
You can minimize the chances for dental implant failures by carefully following your dentist’s aftercare instructions and maintaining excellent oral hygiene.
These actionable tips are steps you can take to ensure your implant has the best chances for long-term success:
Maintain regular oral hygiene practices
Get routine check-ups with the dentist every 6 months
Avoid smoking
Manage any health conditions like diabetes
Follow post-surgery care instructions
Monitor the implant site to ensure long-term success
The best candidates for dental implants are individuals with healthy gums, sufficient bone density, and good health. If you’re not an ideal candidate for dental implants, due to health conditions, smoking, or poor bone density, dental implants may not be right for you. Consider alternative options such as flexible partial dentures or a bridge if potential complications are a concern.
An experienced professional will ensure your gums and jawbone are healthy before proceeding with dental implant surgery. If you have gum disease or other health concerns, finding a dentist with the skills and knowledge to oversee your treatment is even more important. Check the qualifications of your oral surgeon to ensure they have a record of completing dental implants successfully.
Can Dental Implant Failure Be Repaired?
If an implant fails, remember that there are always corrective procedures that can help. Your dentist may be able to replace the failed implant or offer an alternative if you decide that dental implants are not for you. In the case of an allergic reaction, you may decide on a different material for the dental implant like zirconia or a different titanium alloy.
If you experience tissue loss, a bone graft may be necessary before you undergo another implant surgery. First, the failed implant will be removed, and the gums will require time to heal. A course of antibiotics and cleaning may also be necessary if there is infection or debris in the implantation site. If there is no tissue loss, your dentist may be able to perform a re-implantation.
Early detection and diagnosis of a dental implant failure include diagnostic tests, x-rays, and CT scans. After an examination, your dentist will suggest suitable treatment options and help you make an informed decision on how to proceed.
Dental implants are not ideal for everyone, and there are always alternative options to consider. For example, a bridge can fill gaps between missing teeth without the need for surgery. Removable partial dentures and flexible dentures are a less invasive and more affordable option for replacing missing teeth.
Schedule a Consultation with Affordable Dentures & Implants
Explore your dental implant options by booking a consultation at your nearest Affordable Dentures & Implants practice. Our wide network of highly skilled professionals can help you prevent potential complications by designing a treatment plan specifically to your unique circumstances. We help you find tooth replacement options while keeping your budget, lifestyle, and oral health goals at the forefront.
Our dental implant services include:
We value the uniqueness of each smile that walks through our doors, and the importance of individualized care. Get answers to your questions about dental implants and find out which tooth replacement options are best for you. Under the care of experienced professionals, you can maximize the success rate and longevity of your dental implants. Find an Affordable Dentures & Implants location near you to book your consultation today.
Sources:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4363814/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4327689/