7 Factors That Cause Dental Implant Failure

#1 MISALIGNMENT OF THE IMPLANT:

One of the challenging aspects of implant dentistry is positioning the implant so that it’s fully surrounded by bone. Sometimes the ideal position in the bone is not the ideal position for the implant. So the implant and the bone can end up misaligned. When the implant doesn’t align with the bone, the crowns can look unnatural, gums can recede and the dark grey metal of the implant is visible around the gum.

Rectifying implants that are positioned in the wrong place can be tricky. The removal process can damage the bone and the adjacent teeth. This is why it is so important to get it right the first time. And so is choosing a dentist with the knowledge and experience to deliver the best results.

#2 POORLY TAKEN IMPRESSIONS

Impressions are moulded by the dentist and sent to a laboratory for the crowns to be made. If the impressions are not precise the replacement teeth may not fit properly. Just a subtle misfit can result in a gap between the crown and the gum, enough to compromise the look and function of the teeth. This can allow bacteria into the gums and eventually lead to infection. An infection can be treated but might require the implant to be replaced. Essentially doubling the cost of the treatment.

Another factor is the cement that binds the new dental crown onto the implant post, which can also cause an infection if it leaks into the gums. This is why the skill of the implant dentist is so important. They must be comfortable performing the procedure accurately under high magnification, which in turn, lessens any possibility of gaps or mistakes.

#3 PERI-IMPLANTITIS AND OTHER INFECTIONS

Peri-implantitis is one of the main causes of dental implant failure. There is some debate about whether it should be classified as a disease, or as a complication due to a foreign body being placed in the oral cavity. Regardless, an inflammatory response can sometimes occur shortly after the procedure is completed, caused by a formation of bacteria in the mouth.

Peri-implantitis can damage both the gum and bone that surrounds the implant, and potentially lead to subsequent bone loss or implant failure. While the condition can be treated, more often than not, the implant will need to be replaced. Those most susceptible to bacterial infection or peri-implantitis are patients with diabetes, smokers, and those with bad oral hygiene.

#4 FAILED OSSEOINTEGRATION

Osseointegration is a term used to describe the development of the structural link between the bone and the newly inserted titanium implant. This process normally takes a few weeks to several months to happen.

Occasionally the implant doesn’t fully merge with the jawbone. This can leave the implant loose, or could even fall out. The main reason for this is insufficient bone for the implant to insert into.

Bone density and the overall health of your bone are important considerations when it comes to implant dentistry. An evaluation of the health of your bone is something your implant dentist will do before the procedure. If there is insufficient bone, a bone graft or sinus lift procedure is an option, to recreate the correct conditions for the implants to be inserted.

#5 NERVE DAMAGE

While nerve damage is rare, it can happen when an implant is fixed too close to the nerves that surround the mouth. Incidence of this is more common with inexperienced dental implant dentists, or when the dentist doesn’t use treatment planning as part of their practice. A treatment plan is what helps the dentist to identify all of the factors that could impact the implant procedure, such as identifying the ideal placement of the implant in relation to the critical structures and nerves in the mouth.

Nerve damage is normally indicated when there is numbness, lingering pain, or a tingling feeling around the gums, lips, cheek, or tongue.

#6 FAILURE OF THE IMPLANT ITSELF

Despite being made of a strong metal, it is possible for the metal implant post to become loose. When the implant post becomes loose, the movement can cause the implant to fracture.

Thanks to the advancements in implant technology, this happens less today, however, failure can still happen. Particularly with low-cost providers and overseas laboratories, who may use inferior materials, leading to complications with the size and fit, which will compromise the stability of the implant.

You want to ensure that your implant dentist is using materials that meet the Australian consumer safety regulations, to ensure quality treatment, and reduce the chances of implant failure.

#7 FOREIGN BODY REJECTION AND ALLERGIC REACTION

The Australian Dental Association states that whenever something foreign is put into your body, there is a chance of side effects. Dental implants and other materials used for the implant procedure may cause a localised reaction. In order to make sure the best materials for your treatment, the dentist should check whether you have any allergies.