What You Need to Know About Dental Implant Failure

Dental implants are among the most impressive and innovative tooth restoration solutions around these days; the posts are fully capable of replacing lost teeth in terms of look, feel, and functionality, and can last for years under optimal circumstances. That said, sometimes things can unexpectedly go wrong, and your dental implants might fail and require removal before additional problems can arise. Here’s more about what causes this to this happen and how the issue can be addressed with the help of your dentist.

What Causes Dental Implants to Fail?

Even though dental implants are designed to last for several decades under ideal conditions, they can still fail if you aren’t careful. The probability of implant failure depends on several risk factors, but a few common ones include not adhering to proper aftercare, chronically poor oral hygiene, smoking or using tobacco, bruxism, gum disease, and physical trauma. Healthy mouths are far less likely to experience implant failure, period.

For the most part, dental implant failure can be categorized into two types based on when they occur: early failures and late failures. Early failures occur within the first few months of the implant being placed, often due to looseness. This can stem from a variety of things, including infection, micro-movements during the healing process, insufficient bone density, or even a lack of commitment to post-op instructions. Late failures occur one year or more after the implant was placed, often due to things like gum infection, pressure, or physical trauma.

How Can My Dentist Help?

Fortunately, dental implants can be salvaged, but it might be difficult to depending on the situation. In most cases, it’s usually simpler to remove the implant and have it replaced. Early failures are often easier to address since they occur soon after the implant was placed. However, late failures and implants in the lower jaw are often a little tougher (but not impossible) to remove.

Your dentist is the best person for addressing failed implants, and if they’ve determined yours need to be removed upon inspection, there are a few different approaches they can take. One method involves making a small incision in the bone along the edge of the failed implant, releasing built-up tension and thereby making it easier to remove. Another method involves a set of tools that rely on reverse torque to take out the implant. Once the implant has been extracted, it’ll need to be replaced when the implant site has healed.

About the Author

Dr. Jason Tubo received his dental doctorate from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine and has proudly served patients and families in the Whitinsville, MA community for several years. His practice is thrilled to offer a wide range of services, including restorative options like dental implants for patients with tooth loss that are hoping to rebuild their smiles. If you have any questions about the blog or you suspect your dental implant is failing, you can contact the practice online or over the phone for further information or assistance. Telephone: (508) 234-8107.