Dental implants are often considered the gold standard of tooth replacement due to the long list of benefits they provide for one’s oral health. That said, things don’t always go as planned, and despite their 95% success rate, dental implants can still fail under certain circumstances. When this happens, action is necessary; however, what needs to be done often isn’t clear. Keep reading to learn more about dental implant failure and how your dentist can help to remove, salvage, or replace your restoration with ease.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants refer to small, biocompatible posts that are surgically placed beneath the gum line, directly into a patient’s jawbone. They can fuse with bone tissue and essentially serve as a replacement tooth root; from there, a custom-made dental restoration can be attached to the top. This means they can replace teeth in terms of look, feel, and functionality with the utmost ease! The process by which the implants fuse with the patient’s jaw is called osseointegration, and it’s the single most important factor that determines dental implant long-term success. Without osseointegration, the implants won’t be stable and will ultimately fail.
Why Do Dental Implants Fail?
With the right care, dental implants can last for decades, or potentially a lifetime – making them an enticing option for tooth replacement. However, there are a few things that can threaten their longevity, such as:
- Poor oral hygiene, which can result in bacterial gum infection that harms the tissue surrounding the implant posts.
- Bruxism, or the constant grinding of the teeth/clenching of the jaw.
- Facial trauma due to a fall or accident.
- Auto-immune disease, as well as certain medications that inhibit bone growth.
A few obvious signs of dental implant failure include the implant post feeling loose, excessive pain or swelling around the post site, difficulty chewing and swallowing, gum recession, and other similar issues.
How Are Failed Dental Implants Addressed?
Dental implant failures can be categorized as early failures, which occur within a year of the implants being placed, and late failures, which occur any time after that. In either case, f you suspect your dental implant has failed, you should speak with your dentist at once.
A failed dental implant must be removed, but afterward, the gums and bone need time to heal before the implant post can be replaced. Depending on the site of the implant, additional oral surgery like a bone graft might also be needed. However, once the reason for the failed implant is discovered and the site is addressed, placing the new implant involves a process similar to the first one.
The best way to prevent dental implant failure is to take great care of your smile – lowering the chances of gum disease, treating your bruxism, and taking other proactive measures to preserve your smile will keep your implants in great shape. However, rest assured, if an implant does end up failing, take heart in the fact that your dentist can help!
About the Practice
Our team here at Elite Oral Surgery Associates has proudly served patients and families in Worcester and the surrounding area; we have six different locations! We offer a wide range of oral surgery services including dental implant placement, salvage, and more. To learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment for yourself or a loved one, feel free to contact us online or over the phone for assistance.
