Dental implants are not only an effective but also a very safe way to replace missing teeth. On occasion, however, patients who receive dental implants do experience certain complications, like implant failure.
Why Do Dental Implants Fail?
Dental implants may fail for a variety of reasons, including:
- Infection –Dental implant failure can occur if the implant site becomes infected, typically due to poor post-op oral hygiene or improper placement. If an implant is improperly placed, it may not integrate properly with the surrounding bone.
- Overloading – Eating hard or sticky foods soon after surgery can apply excess pressure on a newly placed implant, causing it to fail.
- Gum disease – Patients with gum disease may be more likely to experience implant failure, as bacteria associated with gum disease can destabilize an implant.
- Poor bone quality – Sufficient bone density and volume are required to support an implant. If a patient has insufficient bone density, the implant may not integrate, leading to failure.
- Allergic reactions: Some patients may experience an allergic reaction to materials used in an implant.
What To Do When a Dental Implant Fails
If a dental implant fails, a patient must contact their dentist immediately. A dentist may recommend:
- Removal of the implant – An implant that fails due to infection, overloading, or improper placement may need to be removed so that the implant site can be examined to determine the next steps.
- Bone grafting – If the implant fails due to insufficient bone density or volume, a bone graft may be required to rebuild and reinforce the jawbone.
- Implant replacement – Sometimes, a dentist may determine that a failed implant can simply be replaced with a new one. If a new implant cannot be placed, a dentist may recommend a bridge or dentures as an alternative.
Dental Implants and Bone Grafting in Elk Grove Village
If you’re in the Elk Grove Village, IL area and are concerned that you may have a failing dental implant, contact dentist Dr. Vishal Advani and the team at Elk Grove Smile Center to set up a consultation appointment.