3 Reasons Dental Implants Fail
Posted on: 21 September 2015
The dental implant procedure allows you to replace missing teeth and restore your smile without the use of bridges or partial dentures. It is the only permanent solution, but it is also one that sometimes fails. While rare, there are a few things that can cause dental implant failure.
Not Enough Jawbone Density
When you get dental implants, a metal post is implanted into the jawbone of the missing tooth. If your tooth has been missing for a while, you might not have sufficient bone, as it can deteriorate over time. If this is the case, you will need to get a bone graft before the procedure. Unfortunately, some dentists don't notice the lack of density in your jawbone until after the implant is complete. Your bone might have looked good during the X-rays and procedure, but then it wasn't able to support the metal post. This is a common reason for implants to fail.
The Area Becomes Infected
Your dental implant procedure could also fail if the area becomes infected afterward. This type of infection is called peri-implantitis, and occurs when bacteria gets inside the wound during the procedure. It could also occur after the implant procedure if you don't practice good oral hygiene. When the area gets infected, it could lead to bone loss or swelling of the gum or bone tissue. This can cause the procedure to fail and need to be repeated after treating the infection.
Osseointegration Failure
The last reason that your dental implant procedure might have failed is because osseointegration did not take. This is the process of the jawbone growing around the post after it has been implanted. It takes a few months to be complete, after which the implant is embedded in the bone and remains secure for the implant. If, during this period of time, the post starts loosening or falls out completely, osseointegration has failed. You may not have strong enough bone density or you may need to have the process repeated.
Dental implant failure is actually quite uncommon. Many people that choose to replace missing teeth with an implant will see success as long as they follow their dentist's orders. Make sure you follow their aftercare instructions, keep your teeth and mouth clean, and take any antibiotics prescribed to you so you can avoid infection. If, during the procedure or recovery period, you are concerned about the implant, see your dentist right away.
For more information about implants, contact an organization such as Cumberland Periodontal Associate.
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