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Dental implants have modernized dentistry and made the lives of patients easier. However, in rare instances, dental implant failure becomes inevitable. Recent research claimed that 3.11% of dental implant failure was observed during a period of 6 years (2014 – 2020). Dental implants may not succeed for multiple reasons. In this article, we’ll discuss all the common implant failures so you can understand the ins and outs of them.
If your dental implant moves upon eating, chewing, or speaking, it might be failing. However, you might not notice it in the beginning. A dentist can detect a failing implant during follow-up appointments. With time, the mobility increases, and you will be able to feel it.
The signs and symptoms of dental implant failure include:
These are some of the major signs of dental implant failure. If you observe any of these around your implant, do not delay and get an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. The sooner you notice and report the issue, the better the results will be.
There are multiple reasons for implant failure. One of the major and most common reasons for implant failure is inadequate osseointegration. Osseointegration refers to the bond which forms between the bone and the screw placed within the bone.
The success of an implant depends upon osseointegration. The screw is unstable within the jaw due to inefficient osseointegration. This makes the implant mobile, and you are unable to use it for regular oral functions.
Let’s discuss all the reasons for dental implant failure one by one:
One of the most common causes of dental implant failure is implant infections. Two main implant infections are:
This is an infection of the gums surrounding the implants. If detected on time, this condition is reversible. Suppose you see swelling, inflammation, and redness around your dental implant. In that case, you must visit your dentist as soon as possible. In this situation, the gums are not able to protect the underlying bone from bacterial infections.
As a result, the bacteria penetrate below and lead to peri-implantitis, which can cause dental implant failure. Various risk factors can lead to peri-implant mucositis, which include:
Peri-implantitis refers to inflammation and infection in the gums and bone surrounding the dental implant. It can be caused by a bacterial infection right after the surgery or by infection in the gums. A failed dental implant due to bone loss can happen in diabetic patients. Moreover, smoking and poor oral hygiene can also cause peri-implantitis.
Placing an implant is not easy. Your dentist’s expertise plays a major role in implant placement. They must know the importance of bacterial infections, healthy bones, and sound gums. Choosing implant experts in NJ who understand all the necessary aspects of implant placement will keep all such issues at bay.
Implants should be placed at the right spot and in the right position in the jaw. If an inexperienced dentist places the implant at the wrong site, it can cause trouble for the patient. A wrongly placed implant can affect your bite. When your teeth are malpositioned, it will radiate pain in your ears, face, and joints.
Moreover, it can also cause nerve damage. It can damage major nerves if it is placed deep within the bone or if the size of your implants is not compatible with your bone. In the upper jaw, it can also damage other oral and facial structures, such as sinuses. Sinuses are spaces present within the bones.
Impression-taking is a vital step in the implant procedure. After placement of the abutment (part of an implant), an impression is taken. This ensures that the implant structure is in accordance with the tooth it is replacing and comparable with surrounding teeth. When there are errors in this impression, the chances of dental implant failure increase.
Some patients prefer cheap materials to save costs. Likewise, a few dentists offer sub-standard materials in the name of affordability.
Using cheap materials to make dental implants pocket-friendly is not ethical. Good quality titanium, zirconia, and other resins ensure the success of dental implants.
Grinding your teeth can exert a lot of force on your new implant, which can interfere with its ability to bond with your jawbone properly. This might lead to the implant becoming loose over time.
If you have a habit of grinding your teeth, it’s important to address and discuss with your dentist before getting implants. This can help ensure the success of the implant by reducing the risk of complications during the healing process.
It is essential to share details about your allergies before getting dental implants. Your allergy to titanium, latex, or any other material or resin can interfere with the success of dental implants. The dentist will fabricate the implant using alternative materials in such a situation.
Diseases like diabetes, cancer(radiation therapy), AIDS, autoimmune diseases, recent heart attack or myocardial infarction (minimum 3 to 6 months gap after a heart attack or myocardial infarction is important before any major dental procedure such as implant placement) can pose a risk to an implant’s success.
Undoubtedly, dental implants are an amazing innovation in the field of dentistry. Multiple factors play a role in the success of dental implants. This article sheds light on all such contributing factors.
Hesed Dental is a group of expert dentists in NJ, who not only exhibit their expertise in dental implant placement but also ensure their success. From initial consultation to dental implant placement and aftercare, we are here to make it absolutely hassle-free for you.
Book your appointment today for a top-notch experience.
Hesed Dental 543 Gorge Road Cliffside Park, NJ 07010
201 941 8877