Tooth implants are a cutting-edge way to replace lost teeth. They restore your smile’s aesthetic appeal and usefulness with their natural look and endurance. However, the question on many patients’ minds is, “How common is dental implant failure?”
Signs of Dental Implant Failure
After the first healing phase, which usually lasts for ten days, if you notice any of the following symptoms at the implant site, get in touch with your dentist right away:
- Bleeding gums
- Swelling
- Pain
- Redness
- Implant mobility (a loose or wobbly implant)
- These symptoms are often indicators of an infection.
Additionally, if you experience hives, eczema, or facial swelling (edema) after your implant procedure, you might have a titanium allergy. Schedule an appointment with us immediately so appropriate measures can be taken, including potentially removing the titanium.
Reasons for Dental Implant Failure
The primary reason for dental implant failure is infection around the implant site. Two main types of infections can occur:
- Peri-implant mucositis: This is an infection affecting the gum tissue around the implant. It is often reversible with timely treatment.
- Peri-implantitis: This more severe infection affects the gum and bone around the implant, frequently leading to implant failure.
When the gum tissue around an implant becomes infected, it recedes, allowing bacteria to infiltrate the jawbone. This can result in further infection and bone loss, ultimately causing the implant to fail.
Some people are more likely than others to get an infection around their implants. These include people with diabetes, smokers, and those with poor oral hygiene. If any of these factors apply to you, it is crucial to inform your dentist and address these risks before proceeding with dental implants.
Other Reasons for Dental Implant Failure
While uncommon, some more serious side effects can occur with dental implant surgery. Here are some to be aware of:
While infection is the leading cause of dental implant failure, other factors can also contribute. Although 90-95% of dental implants last for 15 years or more without issues, it’s important to understand and mitigate the risks that can lead to the failure of the remaining 5-10% of implants.
Dentist-Related Issues
The skill and experience of the implant dentist, as well as the quality of the materials used, play significant roles in the success of dental implants. By choosing a reputable and experienced implant dentist, most problems can be avoided.
Sub-Par Materials
At All About Smiles, we use high-quality materials designed to last a lifetime. However, some providers may cut costs using inferior materials, leading to breakage and implant failure. While this issue is rare in the United States, it underscores the importance of thoroughly researching your dentist.
Poor Impressions
Accurate impressions are critical after the abutment is placed to ensure your prosthetic tooth’s correct shape and fit. Poor-quality impressions can result in a poorly fitting crown, creating gaps that harbor bacteria and increase the risk of peri-implantitis.
Poor Placement
Inexperienced dentists may incorrectly place dental implants without considering the structure and shape of the jaw. Incorrect placement can cause several issues, including:
- Nerve Damage: Incorrect placement can affect nearby nerves, causing pain or numbness.
- Sinus Rupture: Implants placed too close to the sinus cavity can puncture it, leading to sinus problems.
- Bite Problems: Misaligned implants can affect your bite, causing discomfort and functional issues.
- Implant Failure: Poor placement can prevent the implant from properly integrating with the bone, leading to failure.
How Can I Prevent Dental Implant Failure?
You and our dental staff must work together to ensure the life and success of your dental implants. While your dentist is crucial, many factors are within your control. Here are our top tips for caring for your dental implants:
- Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene: Brush twice a day with a soft nylon toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste. Floss everyday to get dirt and plaque out of between your teeth and implants. Rinse your mouth properly after each meal to keep it clean and clear of food debris.
- Use Medicated Mouthwash for Implant-Supported Dentures: If you have implant-supported dentures, rinse your mouth twice daily with a medicated mouthwash after placing your implants. This helps maintain oral hygiene and prevents infections.
- Eat Soft Foods Initially: Avoid hard meals during the first several weeks after receiving implants. Avoid using hard items that might upset the implant and disrupt the healing process.
- Avoid Smoking and Tobacco Products: Tobacco products and smoking have a significant impact on healing and raise the risk of peri-implantitis. This condition can result in implant failure. Avoiding these activities is crucial for the health of your dental implants.
- Attend Regular Follow-Up Appointments: Schedule and attend frequent check-ups with your dentist. These appointments allow your dentist to closely check the condition of your implants. Early discovery of any problems can lead to prompt therapies, perhaps saving the implant.
By diligently following these dental implant care tips, you can enhance the success rate of your implants and ensure they last for years to come. Your commitment to maintaining good oral hygiene and making healthy lifestyle choices plays a vital role in the longevity and effectiveness of your dental implants. Consult your dentist at All About Smiles for personalized advice and ongoing care.
What Should I Do If My Dental Implant Fails?
Contact your dentist at All About Smiles immediately if you experience any signs or symptoms suggestive of dental implant failure. Early identification and therapy are crucial for decreasing bone loss and perhaps preserving the implant. Depending on the severity, treatment options may include antibiotics for infection, additional bone grafting procedures, or implant removal and replacement.
Conclusion
By choosing dental implants for your missing teeth, you are making are a great investment in your oral health and smile. Gaining knowledge about the elements that contribute to dental implant failure and adopting proactive measures to maximize outcomes will greatly raise your chances of having a functioning and long-lasting implant repair.
All About Smiles is Here for You
All About Smiles is dedicated to offering top-notch implant dental treatments. Our group of skilled and knowledgeable dentists will collaborate closely with you to guarantee a positive implant experience. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for a consultation if you have any queries or worries regarding dental implants.
FAQ
Early implant rejection generally occurs within the first three to four months before the implant fully matures or fuses with the surrounding bone tissue. There is also the risk of late implant rejection, which typically occurs more than a year after the initial implant placement.
Dental implant failure can result from several factors, with the most frequent cause being surgical errors. These errors may involve incorrect implant placement, substandard materials, inadequate post-operative care, or insufficient pre-operative planning.
If an implant requires replacement, it will be carefully removed and the area thoroughly cleaned. A bone graft won’t be necessary if the surrounding bone remains intact. However, if bone loss has occurred, a bone graft may be placed to enhance the site for the new implant.
