Why Dental Implants Fail?

Dental implants are artificial roots made of primarily titanium that are surgically inserted into the jaw bone to replace missing teeth. They are designed to look, feel, and function like natural teeth, and can last for many years if properly cared for. However, dental implants can fail, and its failure can be because of many reasons.

In this blog post, we at ExlDentist, being one of the best teams of dental implants in DLF Gurgaon, Delhi/NCR have attempted to put some light on a few common causes, signs, and treatments of dental implant failure, and how to prevent it from happening.

Basically, when the implant fails to integrate with the bone, becomes loose or infected, or causes damage to the surrounding tissues, we categorize it as dental implant failure. This can be classified into two types: early and late.

Early implant failure refers to the failure of the implant to integrate with the jaw bone within the first 3-4 months after placement. This can happen due to infection, inflammation, trauma, or lack of stability of the implant. Early implant failure can result in pain, swelling, bleeding, or loosening of the implant.

Late implant failure refers to the failure of the implant that occurs after it has successfully integrated with the bone. This can happen due to mechanical, physiological or biological factors, such as wear and tear, fracture, corrosion, or peri-implantitis. Peri-implantitis is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the gums and bones around the implant, causing them to recede and expose the implant. Late implant failure can result in pain, swelling, pus, bad breath, or loss of bone.

Some of the signs of dental implant failure are:

• Pain or discomfort around the implant site
• Swelling or redness of the gums
• Bleeding or pus from the gums
• Difficulty chewing or biting
• Loosening or shifting of the implant
• Change in the appearance or position of the implant
• Bad breath or taste

If you notice any of these signs, you should contact your dentist as soon as possible. They will examine your implant and determine the cause and severity of the problem. They will also suggest the best course of action to treat your implant failure.

Some of the causes of dental implant failure are:

• Infection: Bacteria can enter the implant site during or after the surgery and cause infection. This can prevent the implant from integrating with the bone and cause inflammation and pain. Infection can also spread to other parts of the mouth and body if left untreated.
• Poor oral hygiene: Failing to brush and floss your teeth regularly can lead to plaque and tartar buildup around the implant. This can cause gum disease and peri-implantitis, which can damage the bone and loosen the implant.
• Smoking: Smoking can reduce blood flow to the gums, impairing the healing process and the integration of the implant with the bone. Smoking can also increase the chances of infection and gum disease around the implant site, which can lead to implant failure.
• Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, osteoporosis, or autoimmune diseases, can affect your body’s ability to heal and fight infection. This compromises your bone quality and density, which can affect your implant’s stability and success.
• Surgical complications: Sometimes, surgical errors or complications can cause dental implant failure. For example, if the implant is placed too deep or too shallow in the bone, if there is not enough bone to support the implant, if there is nerve damage during the surgery, or if there is an allergic reaction to the implant material.
• Mechanical factors: Over time, mechanical factors such as chewing forces, grinding habits, or trauma can cause wear and tear on your implant. This can lead to fracture or corrosion of your implant or its components. This can also affect your bite alignment and cause stress on your jaw joint.

The treatment of dental implant in DLF 4 depends on its cause and extent. Some of the possible treatments are:

• Antibiotics: If your implant failure is caused by infection, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to clear up the infection and reduce inflammation.
• Cleaning: If your implant failure is caused by poor oral hygiene or peri-implantitis, it is recommended to get a professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar from around your implant.
• Bone grafting: If your implant failure is caused by bone loss or insufficient bone density, a bone grafting procedure can be performed to restore your bone volume and strength. Bone Grafting stimulates new bone growth and allows your implant to integrate with it.
• Implant removal and replacement: If your implant failure is caused by mechanical factors or surgical complications, your dentist may have to remove your implant and replace it with a new one. This may require another surgery and a longer healing period. At ExlDentist we give an implant replacement warranty.

To prevent dental implant failure, you should follow the instructions of your dentist before and after the surgery. This may include:

• Quitting smoking: Smoking can increase your risk of dental implant failure, so you should quit smoking at least two weeks before and after the surgery. This will improve your blood circulation and healing ability, and reduce your chances of infection and gum disease.
• Maintain good oral hygiene: You should brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day to keep your mouth clean and healthy. You should also use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a low-abrasive toothpaste to avoid scratching or damaging your implant. In addition, avoid using mouthwash that contains alcohol, as it can irritate your gums and implant site.
• Avoiding hard or sticky foods: You should avoid eating hard or sticky foods that can put pressure or pull on your implant, especially during the first few weeks after the surgery. Also, try to avoid biting or chewing on ice, pens, or nails, as they can damage your implant or its components.
• Taking antibiotics or painkillers as prescribed: You should take any antibiotics or painkillers that your dentist prescribes to prevent infection and reduce pain and swelling. Also follow the dosage and duration instructions carefully, and inform your dentist if you have any side effects or allergies.

Visiting your dentist regularly for check-ups and adjustments: You should visit your dentist every six months for routine check-ups and cleaning. Your dentist will monitor your implant’s condition and performance, and make any necessary adjustments or repairs. They will also advise you on how to care for your implant and maintain its longevity.

Dental implants are a great way to restore your smile and confidence, but they are not without risks. Dental implant failure can happen due to various reasons, such as infection, poor oral hygiene, smoking, medical conditions, surgical complications, or mechanical factors. Dental implant failure can cause pain, discomfort, and aesthetic problems, and may require additional treatment or replacement.

To prevent dental implant failure, you should follow the instructions of your dentist before and after the surgery, maintain good oral hygiene, quit smoking, avoid hard or sticky foods, take antibiotics or painkillers as prescribed, and visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and adjustments.

We hope this blog post has helped you understand more about dental implants and their potential problems. If you have any questions or concerns about dental implants, feel free to contact us at ExlDentist Dental Clinic. We are happy to help you with all your dental needs. Get the best dental implant services nearby Gurgaon and keep your smile happy and healthy.