Reasons Dental Implants Could Fail
Dental implants can fail for a variety of reasons:
- Poor oral hygiene: If you neglect your oral hygiene, you can develop gum disease. The infection and inflammation in the gum and bone surrounding the implant can cause it to loosen and ultimately fail.
- Insufficient Bone Mass: Most dentists will make sure that you have sufficient bone density to support the implant. If the bone is too thin or soft, the implant may not be able to fully integrate with the jawbone, leading to implant failure.
- Tobacco Use: Smoking can inhibit the body's ability to heal, lead to complications, and make it more likely for the implant to fail.
- Your Health: Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes can affect the healing process and increase the risk of implant failure.
- Incorrect positioning: If the implant is not placed properly, it can move around and ultimately fail.
Signs of Dental Implant Failure
If you notice any of these signs it's important to get in touch with your dentist as soon as possible:
- Severe Pain: While some pain is normal after the implant surgery, if the pain persists or becomes severe, it could indicate a problem.
- Difficulty Chewing or Biting: If you're experiencing pain or discomfort when biting or chewing with the implant, it could be a sign that it's failing.
- Loose Implant: Dental implants should feel as stable as natural teeth. If they start to move or feel loose, it could be a sign it's failing.
- Swelling: Swelling after implant surgery is normal too, but if it persists, it could be a sign something is wrong.
- Gum Recession: If the gums around the implant begin to recede, this might suggest the implant is failing.
Can a Failed Dental Implant Be Restored?
The answer depends on the reason the implant failed in the first place.
If the implant didn't properly fuse with the bone tissue and the osseointegration process failed, then you can probably restore it. The dentist will remove the implant, allow the area to heal, and then try a new implant.
If the reason for implant failure was peri-implantitis, the dentist will have to treat the infection first before trying to place a new implant.
But, if the bone loss or infection is too severe, it might not be possible to restore the implant and you might need to look into alternative treatment options.
Want to Learn More? Let's Talk!
Want to learn more about dental implants and whether they are right for you? Book your appointment with Nest Dental and see Dr. Jennifer Chew for an initial Invisalign.
You can contact us online or call us at (650) 692-5600.
