Why Do Dental Implants Fail?
Dental implants can fail for several reasons, including:
- Peri-implantitis
- Failed osseointegration
- Facial injury
- Autoimmune disorders that suppress the immune system
Out of the reasons listed, peri-implantitis is often the most common culprit behind dental implant failure. Similar to traditional gum disease, it forms when bacteria attack the soft, connective tissue around the implant post. Over time, if left untreated, the infection will begin to weaken the jawbone that is necessary to support new teeth.
Peri-implantitis occurs often as the result of poor oral hygiene.
Symptoms of Failed Dental Implants
Dental implant failure can happen at any point after initial placement. Whether it occurs immediately following the procedure or years later, recognizing the symptoms early on is essential if timely and appropriate actions are to be taken to save one’s smile.
Some of the most common signs of dental implant failure include:
- Loosening of the implant
- Swelling, pus, and bleeding around the implant
- Eating or biting down becomes increasingly difficult
- Feeling of pain does not go away
How Dental Implant Salvage Works
If a patient suspects there may be a problem with one or more of their implants, it’s best to call our office right away. By catching the problem early on, we can treat the problem more easily (and with less expense).
To do this, we will first need to examine the patient’s mouth to determine the underlying cause of failure. If peri-implantitis is to blame, our team may be able to treat the gums without having to remove the implant; however, depending on the severity of the damage, a bone graft may be required to create additional support for the implant post and its restoration.
If facial trauma or failed osseointegration is the reason, our team will remove the implant. The damaged area will need time to heal, so by removing the implant, there is nothing in the way to prevent complete recovery. We will then discuss the option of placing a new dental implant or whether a different solution might be more suitable.
Patients who suffer from medical conditions that result in a failed dental implant will need to talk with their physician about the effects of medication as well as the disease or disorder. This may mean changing their medicine or finding other ways to better manage their symptoms so that life with dental implants is possible.
