If you have dental implant treatment in Australia there’s a 4-10% chance of it failing. That’s phenomenally low. But as with all medical treatment, there is a chance it won’t work. So before launching teeth-first into the process, it’s a good idea to understand why some dental implants fail. You’ll then be in a stronger position to decide whether they’re right for you.
Dental implant failure – a medical definition
A dental implant is classed as having failed if:
- it comes loose
- it falls out completely
- the titanium screw (the implant) is visible beneath the gum line.
And depending on how soon it happens after surgery, it will be classed as either an early or late implant failure.
Early implant failure is any time in the first 24 hours of treatment through to the time it takes for the bone and implant to fuse. (This can take 3-6 months, and is called implant osseointegration.) If an implant is destined to fail, this is when it’s likely to happen.
Late implant failure is when an implant falls out after osseointegration. It could happen a year, 3 years or even 10 years after the implant was put in.
Whether an implant fails early or late depends on a few things, such as:
- the quality of the implant
- your lifestyle choices
- any changes in your health.
Let’s look at some of the most common reasons for implant failure, and what you can do to minimise the chances of your rather expensive implants making an early exit.
Common reasons an implant will come loose or fall out
It didn’t get a healthy start
Gums showing signs of disease are in a weakened state, which isn’t a great starting point for dental implants. And in severe cases, when the gum disease has advanced so much that it’s weakened the jaw bone, trying and fitting an implant is futile enough, let alone expecting it to survive 10-20 years.
It develops a case of peri-implantitis
This is when bacteria grow in gaps around the gums, implant and crown. It’s specific to people with dental implants and is a lot like gum disease. According to one study, peri-implantitis is responsible in 38% of cases where implants have failed.
Peri-implantitis usually occurs when the implant isn’t kept clean (i.e. not brushing or flossing the area). And just like gum disease, it’s possible to treat peri-implantitis and save the prosthetic tooth (as long as it’s spotted early enough).
Poor pre-procedure planning
The bone supporting an implant needs to be strong. If you think about the amount of force we put on our teeth when we eat or play sports, it has to deal with a lot. An implant going into weak bone won’t last long.
To check bone density and strength, your dentist will take detailed scans and x-rays of your mouth. If the bone looks weak, you may need a bone graft or sinus lift—procedures that strengthen the area of the jaw where the implant will be placed.
Your dentist will also use these images to create a surgical map so they know exactly where to drill and position the implant. Depending on your dentist’s facilities, they may print the map on a 3D printer and lay the surgical guide over your mouth to place the implant in the strongest part of the jawbone.
It’s rejected by the body
Known as ‘natural rejection’, your body simply decides it doesn’t like the foreign thing you’ve put into it and refuses to heal. Only a small number of dental implant patients encounter this, but signs it’s happening to you include:
- inflammation of the treatment site
- pain and tenderness that lasts longer than the expected 5-7 days
- the wound looking as fresh as it did on the surgery date, despite it happening 2 or more weeks ago.
An infection crops up
Swelling in the mouth, redness, and pain when there wasn’t any before are all signs you may have a post-surgery infection. It sounds serious and, if left untreated, could go that way. If you suspect an infection has developed, book an appointment to see your dentist right away. They’ll assess whether you need antibiotics, and explain how to keep the treatment site clean to treat the infection and stop it from getting worse.
Medications and treatments
Medications and treatments that weaken bone or contribute to dry mouth can increase the risk of implants falling out (just as they can cause natural teeth to fall out).
When a patient comes to me because their implant has failed, or is about to, it’s usually for one of these reasons. And even though implant removal is rare (and a last resort) it’s sometimes necessary.
Setting you up for dental implant success
If you’re thinking of getting dental implants or about to start treatment, there are some simple things you can do to set yourself up for a smoother ride.
- See your dentist for regular checkups so any existing oral health challenges are identified and treated.
- Once you’ve got an implant, follow your dentist’s instructions about how to look after them. This may involve using particular toothbrushes or flossing tools, and avoiding certain foods while you heal.
- Keep your dentist informed about any changes in medication, treatments or your overall health that may affect bone strength.
Delivering dental implant treatment and care in Central Queensland
Getting dental implants isn’t something you decide on a whim. Treatment costs, expected outcomes and time needed all need to be understood, evaluated and planned for before hitting ‘Go’.
Whether you’re at the start of your dental implant journey or ready to take the next step, Keppel Dental can help. Using the latest digital dentistry technologies and high-quality dental implant products, we can deliver the best dental implant care possible for patients in Central Queensland and beyond.
Contact us, and one of our friendly staff will book your free first consultation with me, Dr Luke. We’ll discuss your concerns, the procedure, the timelines, and the estimated cost for your treatment.
Curious about dental implants?
Contact us and our friendly staff will book your free first consultation with Dr Luke.
He’ll talk to you about your concerns, the procedure, the timelines, and the estimated cost for your personalised treatment plan.
With all the information on the table, you can then choose when and how to continue the journey.
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