Dental implants are one of the most innovative modern dentistry technologies, having transformed the lives of millions of patients worldwide. However, as with any sort of surgery, complications might arise. Dental implants have an average failure rate of about 2-3%, making them one of the safest and most successful dental procedures. What if you are one of the unlucky few? Here are some warning indications of implant failure.
What Causes Dental Implants to Fail?
Some of the most common causes of dental implant problems are:
- Infection
As with any form of surgery, the risk of infection might jeopardize the success of your therapy. Patients who disregard post-surgery instructions or neglect their oral care routine may develop inflammation of the tissue around the dental implant, leading to infection and probable bone loss.
- Insufficient bone support
For an implant to be effective, it must fuse with the bone on both sides. Patients with insufficient jawbone density may require a bone graft to support the implant before treatment. An implant without a graft may lack the necessary support to fuse with the jawbone, causing the implant to fail.
- Chronic diseases
Diabetes, gum disease, and cancer are examples of medical conditions that can impede the healing process after implant surgery. You should also tell your dentist whether you smoke, drink alcohol, or use any drugs daily, as they might all have an impact on your recovery. Smoking can raise the risk of a failed implant from 2-3% to up to 10%, so quitting before implant surgery is strongly advised.
- Micromovement
After implant surgery, your new teeth should remain as motionless as possible for the first 8-12 weeks to allow the bone to form around the implants. Micromovements are more likely to occur after 'instant teeth' or 'immediate implants', and it is critical to follow any dietary guidelines to reduce the impact of biting or chewing on your implants.
- Older dental implants
Implant technology has evolved significantly during the last decade. Your implants might have worn out if they were implanted many years ago.
How Will I Know If My Implant Is Failing?
If you have dental implants and have any symptoms, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.
- Severe pain or discomfort
While some pain is to be expected during the recovery phase, if you are suffering significant discomfort sometime after the treatment, your implant may be failing.
- Gum inflammation
While minor swelling is expected after implant surgery, red and inflamed gums indicate an infection and should be addressed immediately.
- Loose or unsteady implants
Your implants should feel as secure as your natural teeth. Loose implants are never a normal part of the operation, and if they feel insecure, contact your dentist.
- Difficulty biting or chewing
When working properly, implants should look and feel like your natural teeth, so if you are feeling pain when eating, there is a good chance that something is wrong. Do not ignore pain or discomfort; it will most certainly worsen, and whatever is causing it may become increasingly difficult to manage.
What Are My Therapy Options?
Treatment options will vary depending on the cause of your implant failure. If the bone surrounding your implant is intact, your dentist may be able to carefully clean the region and replace the implant. If you've had bone loss, you may need a bone graft (which takes several months to cure) before a new implant can be placed. We will need to analyze your jaw to identify the best treatment plan for you.
How Can I Prevent Dental Implant Failure?
Although dental implant failure is occasionally unavoidable, you can take the following precautions to maximize your chances of a long-lasting, effective implant:
- Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing twice daily and using antimicrobial mouthwash;
- Avoid hard foods after treatment and follow any dietary recommendations from your dentist.
- Consume gum-healthy foods like fish, milk, and eggs;
- Give stop smoking at least two weeks before implant treatment and for at least two months afterward;
- Wearing a mouthguard might help protect your implants from contact sports and teeth grinding;
- Visit your dentist frequently to ensure that any problems are detected and treated as soon as possible. If you see any of the abovementioned indicators of implant failure, contact your dentist immediately.
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