Dental implants are a reliable and successful procedure, but they can fail in some cases. An estimated 5 to 10 percent of dental implants fail, either shortly after a procedure or months or years later. The most common causes of dental implant failure are infections and bone loss, both of which can be prevented with proper care. Smoking can also increase the chance of failure, depending on where the implant is placed in the mouth.
Other causes include systemic disease, poor oral hygiene, irradiation in the head and neck area, chronic periodontitis, lack of medical experience, poor bone quality or quantity, implantation in the upper jaw, implantation in the molar area, use of short length implants, lack of initial stability, immediate loading or early loading with poor initial stability, inadequate implant design and excessive number of implants. The best way to keep dental implants healthy is to practice good oral hygiene. If your dentist notices that the implant is mobile, he or she will recommend an X-ray to determine if there is significant bone loss around the metal part of the dental implant. If one of these parts breaks or comes loose, it can cause problems such as a failed dental implant. Signs that a dental implant has lost osseointegration may include pain, swelling, or infection. If a dental implant fails, there's no need to panic as treatment options are available.
May and the team will take the time needed to better understand your faulty dental implant and the steps to replace it. With proper care and maintenance, you can ensure that your dental implants last for many years.
