Why does a dental implant fail?

Dental implants are a popular and effective option for replacing missing teeth. However, like any medical procedure, there can be complications and failures. Generally dental implants have a high success rate, exactly 99%, but why does a dental implant fail? We tell you all about it in this blog.

Causes of dental implant failure

Bone integration problems: When a dental implant is placed, the jaw bone must fuse with the implant in a process called “osseointegration”. If this process does not occur correctly, there may be a lack of structural support and stability for the implant, which can result in failure. Some causes of lack of osseointegration may include poor bone quality, periodontal disease or the presence of infections.

The consequences of a failure of osseointegration may include pain, implant mobility and possibly loss of the implant. In some cases, a delay in the osseointegration process can be treated by the use of a bone graft, the use of medications and/or reevaluation of the treatment plan. In more severe cases, removal of the implant and additional surgery may be required.

Misplacement problems: An improperly placed dental implant can cause a number of problems. This can include poor distribution of occlusal forces, which can lead to implant overload and eventual failure. In addition, misplacement can lead to interference with other teeth and esthetic problems.

The consequences of misplacement can range from minor discomfort to loss of the implant. If the misplacement is detected early, the implant can be surgically repositioned. If the implant has been overloaded, dietary changes and elimination of habits such as bruxism may be recommended to reduce stress on the implant. In some cases, removal of the implant and further surgery to replace it may be necessary.

Infection problems: Infections can occur in any surgical procedure, including dental implant placement. If an infection is not treated, it can compromise the ability of the jawbone to heal and fuse with the implant, which can lead to implant failure.

The consequences of an infection may include pain, swelling and fever. Treatment for an infection may involve the prescription of antibiotics and thorough cleaning of the affected area. In more severe cases, it may be necessary to remove the implant and allow the infected area to heal before reinserting an implant.

Overloading problems: Implant overloading can occur if there is too much force applied to the implant. This can be caused by habits such as bruxism, excessive chewing of hard foods, or dental overload due to the lack of other teeth in the mouth.

Solutions for every cause

Bone integration problems

If the underlying problem is lack of bone integration, various solutions can be used to treat the problem. A bone graft can be used to help strengthen the jaw bone and improve bone integration. In addition, growth factor therapies such as PRP (platelet-rich plasma) can be used to stimulate bone regeneration. If the lack of bone integration is caused by periodontal disease or infection, the disease should be treated before attempting to place a new implant.

Problems of poor positioning

If the implant was placed incorrectly, corrective surgery may be used to reposition the implant. In some cases, removal of the implant and placement of a new implant in a different location may also be recommended to avoid similar problems in the future.

Infection problems

Infection problems: If the implant failure is due to infection, the infection should be treated before attempting to place a new implant. Treatment may include removal of the implant, thorough cleaning of the affected area, and prescription of antibiotics to treat the infection. Once the infection is cured, a new implant can be attempted.

Overload problems

If the problem is an overload on the implant due to missing other teeth or habits such as bruxism, measures can be taken to reduce the load on the implant. This may include placing a dental bridge to redistribute the load, eliminating bruxism by using an unloading splint, or recommending avoidance of hard or sticky foods that may put stress on the implant.

In summary, solutions for dental implant failures vary depending on the underlying cause of the problem. It is important to work with an experienced and qualified dentist to determine the cause of the failure and design an appropriate treatment plan to solve the problem.