6 Reasons for Dental Implant Failure

A dental implant is a surgically attached metal post holding an artificial tooth. A restorative dentist or oral surgeon connects an artificial tooth to the implant after it has been placed.

Although dental implants have a high success rate, some patients encounter dental implant failure. About 5 to 10% of dental implants fail, either immediately or months or years later.

If you're getting dental implants or already have them, here's what you must understand about implant failure's causes.

1. Gum disease

Dental implant surgery requires healthy gums, and you cannot have this treatment if you have active gum disease.

Gum diseases are usually caused by infection and may lead to gum and jawbone damage. If the infection around the implant is not managed, you may lose it. Before obtaining an implant, see your dentist to treat gum disease.

2. Smoking

Smoking can potentially cause dental implant failure because it lowers blood flow to the gums, which prevents healing. According to several studies, smokers have a 20% rate of dental implant failure.

Being a smoker does not preclude you from receiving a dental implant. However, if you stop smoking before a dental implant treatment and don't smoke for at least two months after implant placement, you may have a better outcome.

3. Insufficient jawbone

A successful procedure requires sufficient bone to support the implant. The surgeon cannot surgically insert the implant into your jaw if there is insufficient healthy bone.

Osteoporosis can cause bone loss. This disorder occurs when bone density declines. Fractures become more probable as bones deteriorate. Severe gum disease can also cause decreased bone density in the mouth.

4. Medical conditions

You may encounter dental implant failure if you have an autoimmune disease or disorder like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis. It causes the body to heal slower. The implant fusion or integration with the bone in your jaw, called osseointegration, can be hampered by slow healing.

Certain drugs might potentially cause dental implant failure. As a result, it's critical to discuss any medications (both prescription and over-the-counter) you're currently using with your oral surgeon.

Researchers at McGill University in 2016 discovered that heartburn drugs might inhibit new bone formation, influencing how an implant integrates with the jaw bone. Similar findings were reported in 2016 by researchers at the University of Buffalo among antidepressant drug users.

5. Poor dental maintenance

The ability to practice appropriate oral hygiene following a dental implant also influences the success rate. You cannot be a candidate for a dental implant if you have problems that limit your range of motion or interfere with your ability to clean your teeth properly.

6. An inexperienced surgeon

Not all surgeons are made equal, and you may encounter dental implant failure if you have an inexperienced surgeon. Your dentist may recommend an oral surgeon, but you are free to choose your own.

An expert surgeon understands the number of implants needed to sustain tooth restoration. This is significant because a small number of implants can produce undue stress on the implant and failure.

Working with a qualified surgeon may also help to reduce iatrogenic trauma, which is damage to periodontal tissue caused by a dentist's activity.

Select a surgeon with extensive experience to get your dental implants. Ask them to discuss the procedure and recovery plan with you.

Conclusion

Although dental implants have a high success rate, they might fail for a range of reasons.

It's critical to understand the potential hazards so you may take efforts to increase your chances of success. This includes getting treatment for any gum or bone issues before surgery, choosing an experienced surgeon, and practicing proper dental hygiene before and after surgery.