Dental implants are a popular and effective way to replace missing teeth. However, like any other type of surgery, there is always a risk of complications. Implant failure occurs when the implant becomes loose, moves, or is rejected by the body. While implant failure is fairly rare, it can be difficult to treat and may require the removal of the implant. But, with proper care and maintenance, dental implants can provide many years of trouble-free use. If you have dental implants and are experiencing pain or swelling, call us right away. West Dental Implants in Durango, CO, can help diagnose issues with implant placement and recovery and get you the treatment you need.
What is dental implant failure?
Dental implant failure is defined as the loss of support of the implant screw in the jawbone. This can occur due to a number of reasons, including infection, poor implant placement, and insufficient healthy bone. In some cases, it can be reversed with early intervention and treatment. But, in other cases, implant failure may require surgery to remove the implant and replace it with a new one.
Common Causes of Dental Implant Failure
There are several risk factors that can contribute to implant failure following your dental implant procedure.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Poor dental health can cause implant failure by allowing bacteria to build up around the implant. This can lead to implantitis, an inflammation of the tissues around the implant, and eventually, the implant will need to be removed. Good oral hygiene, on the other hand, helps to keep replacement teeth and the surrounding natural teeth healthy and can extend the life of your implant.
Tobacco Use
Tobacco use can interfere with the healing and fusing process and cause implant failure. Tobacco decreases blood flow to the gums, which can slow down the healing process and make it more difficult for the implant to fuse with the bone. Tobacco use also increases the risk of infection, which can damage the implant and lead to implant failure.
Medical Conditions
Infection, which can occur when bacteria enter the implant site through the gum tissue, is the number one cause of implant failure. Conditions that cause poor circulation or reduce the body’s ability to fight infection, such as diabetes or HIV/AIDS, can increase your chance of infection.
Insufficient Bone from Gum Disease or Damage
Implant failure can occur if there is insufficient jaw bone or bone density to support the implant. When this happens, the implant will not be able to fuse with the bone and will eventually become loose. This can lead to implant failure and the need for the implant to be removed. Most of the time, a bone graft will be done before the implant procedure if you have suffered bone loss and there is not adequate bone tissue to support the implant.
Incorrect Placement in the Jaw Bone by an Inexperienced Surgeon
If an implant is not placed correctly in the jaw bone, it may fail to fuse with the surrounding bone, or it may come loose over time. Also, incorrect placement can put unnecessary stress on the implant, which can lead to implant failure.
Foreign Body Rejection and Allergic Reaction
Foreign body rejection occurs when the body recognizes the dental implant as a foreign object and tries to reject it. This can cause an inflammatory response and pain at the implant site, as well as damage to the surrounding bone and tissue. Allergic reactions, on the other hand, occur when the body reacts to one or more of the materials used in dental implants, such as titanium or dental cement.
Signs of Failure After Your Dental Implant Procedure
While implant failure is relatively rare, it is important to be aware of the potential risks before undergoing treatment.
The most common signs of implant failure are:
Severe pain or sensitivity in the implant area
Discharge from the implant site
Redness or swelling around the implant site
Changes in the fit of your tooth replacement
If you notice any of these symptoms, please contact your dentist so that they can assess the implant and make sure that it is still healthy. With prompt treatment, implant failure can often be reversed, and your implant will remain healthy for many years to come.
Contact Us for Implant Treatment
If you are experiencing implant failure, it is important to contact our office as soon as possible. We can help you determine the cause of the failure and provide treatment options. We can help you get your smile back on track and feel confident again.
