Is Your Dental Implant Failing?

First and foremost, you should know that dental implants carry a 95% success rate. The risk of dental implant problems is quite low. However, failure does occur. Complications involving dental implants are often preventable by the patient, but some develop due to poor procedural planning from the dentist. It is imperative that you find an experienced and qualified implant dentist that you can trust for your teeth replacement process.

Dental implant problems can present themselves at any stage, but most develop during the early stages before the prosthetic tooth is attached. These are typically issues that are short-lived and promptly addressed. Nonetheless, it is important to know what types of dental implant problems can occur and how to identify them so that you can protect your dental implant investment as well as avoid unnecessary discomfort and inconvenience.

Infection and Poor Healing

Several steps will be taken to ensure your dental implants surgery doesn’t lead to an infection in your mouth. This includes important post-operative instructions that must be followed by the patient in the first days or weeks after surgery, such as proper cleaning, taking antibiotics and other regimes. Failing to do so can result in an infection and impede healing. A common implant infection is peri-implantitis, which is a type of gum disease. If left untreated, serious oral complications can occur so it is important to inform you dentist if you have the following signs of an infection: 

• Bad taste/bad breath that doesn’t go away.
• Pus or bleeding of the gums or implant area.
• Pain or fever.
• Difficulty chewing.
• Swollen or red gums.
• Loose implant.

Poor Healing from Certain Conditions

Before surgery, you will be asked to disclose any existing medical conditions, smoking habits and medications you are taking. There are certain conditions that can impact your body’s ability to heal after dental implant surgery and extra measures may need to be taken before you have your procedure. Failure to inform your dentist about pre-existing conditions could lead to complications during implant healing, which is a critical step in dental implant success. 

Surgical Technique

The technique and technology of your implant dentist can also lower or raise your risk for dental implant problems. Be sure to do your research before you choose an implant dentist.

Micromovement of the Dental Implant

In order to allow osseointegration (fusing of the implant to the jaw bone), your dental implants must be immobile for several weeks after surgery. Typically, this means that you should closely follow your dentist’s instructions, especially dietary recommendations. Eating hard foods too soon could cause micromovement within an implant that is trying to grow into the surrounding bone.

Lack of Bone

All dental implant patients much have adequate jaw bone density and structure to support the implant. If bone grafting before implant surgery was refused or neglected, it could result in a failing dental implant. Gum disease and long periods of tooth loss can cause a lack of bone and warrant the need for grafting before implant surgery.

At 1899 Dental Implant, we are keenly aware of the possible complications that can occur with dental implants. However, we are confident we can help patients avoid unexpected dental implant failure by utilizing advanced techniques, technology and materials as well as guiding your implant surgery with superior skill and knowledge. If you are concerned about the risk of dental implant failure, please call our office.