Dental Implant Failure: Causes and How to Prevent It

We have seen the evolution of dental technology throughout the years. No longer can your dental health suffer because you have lost a tooth or some teeth. Dental implants in Chicago have been the go-to option for people with missing teeth. It is a revolutionary treatment since it replaces the entire tooth, including the root.

Mostly, dental implants are fashioned from titanium. They are small root-sized screw-like posts that are surgically inserted into the jawbone, thus creating an artificial root system. The artificial root system has changed the game, and several patients enjoy their smiles.

However, this isn’t always the case, and not every patient enjoys a trouble-free dental implant process. At times, there is dental implant failure, which can significantly affect your chances of getting another implant.

What Are the Common Causes of Dental Implant Failure?

Since the dental implant procedure involves undergoing surgery, there is always the chance that some risks might come with the process. This is because our dentist near you has to insert the implant (titanium post) into the jawbone. Your jawbone will need around three to six months to heal.

So, implant failure may occur because of the complex processes involved, such as bone growth, surgical trauma, bone quantity and quality.

Without further ado, let’s check out the causes of implant failure:

Inaccurate Impressions

After implant placement, you will need a crown or crowns to cover the implant. So, tooth impressions are taken to the lab to fabricate the crowns. If the dental crowns are placed over the teeth and don’t fit correctly, there could be a gap between the gum and the crown.

The teeth’s appearance and function will be compromised, allowing bacteria to enter the gums, leading to infection.

If the dental cement that attaches the crown to the implant spills into your gums, the gums can also be infected. You need to get implants from an experienced dentist at our Chicago dental clinic near you.

Implant Misalignment

Implant placement is a complex process. It is even more challenging to ensure that the tooth implant is completely surrounded by bone. At times, the optimal position in the bone might not be ideal for the dental implant. If this is the case, the implant and the bone will be misaligned.

Misalignment will cause a cascade of events. The crown will appear unnatural, your gums will recede, and the implant will be visible.

Infection

The most common cause of tooth implant failure is infection. The technical term for the infection is peri-implantitis. It is never clear whether the infection is a result of foreign material in the oral cavity or the presence of a disease, but inflammation arises quickly post-surgery.

Even though the infection can be treated, you might likely need implant replacement. Patients with diabetes, poor dental hygiene, and smokers are more susceptible to bacterial infection.

Failed Osseointegration

Osseointegration is a mouthful term that simply refers to fusing the jawbone and implant. The process usually takes about three months or more, depending on your body.

At times, your jawbone may not entirely fuse with your jawbone. Therefore, your implant might be loose or even come out. The main reason for failed osseointegration is insufficient bone to hold the implant.

Bone health and density are critical to the success of implants. That’s why our dentist near you will assess your bone health at the initial stages of the implant process.

Poor Oral Hygiene

After implant placement, you must go home and allow the jawbone to heal. During this time, you must practice proper oral care and hygiene to ensure that the bacteria are kept at bay.

How to Prevent or Minimize Implant Failure

Implant failure can be avoided if you choose to do the following:

Practice Proper Oral Hygiene

You can limit the risk of infection if you diligently care for your teeth each day. Bacteria cause infection, but brushing and flossing will prevent bacteria from wreaking havoc.

Avoid Smoking

If you could quit smoking, you would have saved yourself from countless issues. Tobacco increases the chances of peri-implantitis and other oral diseases.

Alter Your Diet Temporarily

Switch to softer foods as your implant is healing. Chewy, sticky and hard foods might dislodge or disturb the implant, thus hindering healing.

Follow Our Dentist’s Instructions

You will always receive instructions that will guide you through the healing process. Ensure that you adhere to them so that you can have a complication-free process.

Visit an Experienced Dentist

Most of the issues that cause implant failure can be avoided, especially if you visit an experienced dentist. So, make a point to visit us at Dental Impressions since we have experienced dentists who will guide you through the entire process. Contact us today.