When we lose teeth, it affects more than our potential to speak and consume food effectively. It affects our self-confidence and esteem. A dental implant is a long-lasting solution for teeth replacement that will function, feel, and looks like natural ones.
It’s estimated that approximately 5 to 10 percent of dental implants fail, either immediately post-procedure or months or years later.
As per the International Congress of Oral Implantologist, it is rare that the human body to reject dental implants. However, this does not mean that your dental implant cannot fail.
A successful dental implant is the one that is put in healthy bones and is properly cared for post-surgery. Here are certain things you need to know.
Two Types of Implant Failure:
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Early – Early failures occur within the first 3 to 4 months of placement due to lack of osseointegration, infection, and too much force on the implant.
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Late-stage – It is the dental implant failure after ten years or more. It can result in nerve or tissue damage, sinus cavity, injury to the surrounding area, and other complications.
Dental Implant Complications: Systemic Diseases
Systemic disorders pose a long-term and instant effect on the prognosis and process of a dental implant.
Complications are common in a huge number of implants. It includes mucosal inflammation. If left untreated, it can cause loss of bone support and thereby failing implant.
Also, in older patients getting implants, there is a high probability of being diagnosed with a systemic or chronic condition or disease.
An important worry is the impact of these conditions on implant failure as well as complications.
However, several systematic reviews have failed to find a clear association of systemic diseases with the failure of the implant.
However, a detailed medical history can prevent patients and dentists from dealing with complex failures later on.
What Causes Dental Implants to Fail?
Dental implant failure rate is typically due to:
- Metal Allergy
- Implant Types
- Bacteria
- Not Following Home Instructions
- Teeth Grinding
- Autoimmune Diseases
- Poor Blood Supply and Infection
One main reason why the implant would be rejected is titanium allergy. It is because most of them are made using titanium or a small portion of nickel that may trigger burning, tingling, or sensitivity at the treated area.
On average, less than 1 percent of people with implants reported allergy due to titanium.
Today, there are different implant types are available. Each of them has its pros and cons. Machined tooth surfaces do not perform as good as other modern options.
The most common reason why dental implants fail is due to the harmful bacteria in both the lower and upper jaw. Remember, every mouth has bacteria.
But if you have it during your implant, it can spread from implant to surrounding tissues, thereby causing failure of a dental implant.
If you do not take proper care of them after surgery, that could also be a reason.
Overloading occurs when bite pressure is aimed at the implant rather than on the nearby teeth. It typically happens if the implant is in the posterior area, bite force is huge, and the crown is not well sealed.
Teeth grinding is another big reason for the failure of a dental implant. It is because doing this can move it out of place. So, it’s best to wear a mouthpiece during sleep if you have a habit of teeth clenching or grinding.
If you have autoimmune conditions like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, your body may reject the implant as a foreign body.
It might be due to the effect of smoking or medicines. Gingivitis and periodontitis, mainly on the teeth of the implant, may also be a big factor in the failure of the implant.
Foreign objects like food waste, rough cement, etc., are the causes of inflammation, failing speedily after placement.
Signs of Dental Implant Failure:
- Gum inflammation or recession
- Increased swelling
- Difficulty in chewing
- Loosening of an implant or a replaced tooth
- Severe pain or discomfort
What Happens When Implant Fails?
In most of the early failures, the implant is loose. It is due to:
- The poor healing potential of the patient
- Lack of stability during placement
- Infection
- Micromotion (too much movement of the implant during the healing process)
But the good news is that a failed dental implant is easily removed using local anesthesia. After Dental implants in Coral Springs, if your dentist determines that an implant needs replacement, the expert will take it out and clean the region gently.
Signs of an Infected Dental Implant:
While swelling and pain are common after surgery, here are the signs that you need to look:
- Loose implant
- Bad taste and breath
- Severe pain or discomfort
- Pus visible from the region
- Red or swollen gums around the implant area
Dental implants are the functional and aesthetic and alternative for tooth replacement. In spite of the high success, failures do occur.
With the popularity of implants growing speedily as a long-term treatment option, it is vital to understand factors contributing to the failure of the implant.
Practicing good oral hygiene and visiting a savvy dentist regularly help you avoid issues with your new dental implants.