An implant may fail to osseointegrate for various reasons, such as bone overheating at the time of implant placement, contamination of the implant surface, or systematic problems interfering with osseointegration (i.e., necrosis by bisphosphonates, irradiation of bone during treatment of a malignant, autoimmune neoplasm. A failed dental implant is an unusual situation, but it does happen. If that happens, there is no need to panic, as treatment options are available. Sometimes, the cause of failure can also be prevented.
Dental implants are usually a predictable and successful procedure, but it requires a great deal of training and experience to place them correctly. You want to ensure that your implant dentist uses materials that meet Australian consumer safety standards, to ensure quality treatment and reduce the chances of implant failure. Another factor is the cement that attaches the new dental crown to the implant post, which can also cause infection if it leaks into the gums. Smoking can lead to failure, and if you are a classic tooth grinder, constant rubbing can affect your new pearly whites.
The modern titanium dental implant was put into use some thirty years ago and was hailed as an important addition to the dentistry toolbox. If the dental professional does not determine that the bonding process has been performed, if you proceed to the next step too quickly, implant failure may occur. Now, 30 years later, I see that many implants of numerous brands fail, while the natural teeth around them are healthy and stable. Some dental professionals remove an endotically defective treated tooth and place an implant in place immediately, regardless of the fact that the organisms that caused the previous failure are likely to remain in the bone and can cause another failure.
As a prosthodontist, I have been placing root-shaped implants since they were initially introduced, and I share your views on the growing concern related to implant failure. Other signs of a dental implant that has lost osseointegration may include pain, swelling, or infection, but this is not always the case. If left untreated, infection and bone loss can progress to a point where the implant does not respond to treatment and could result in the loss of the implant altogether. Although failure of dental implants is rare, it can happen even if the surgeon took all the extreme precautions and used the most innovative techniques.
Whether you need to replace a single tooth or several teeth, dental implants and All on 4 can give you a beautiful, natural smile while improving the quality of your life. Fortunately, most continuing education programs in implant dentistry integrate both implant placement and restoration. In the case of moderate bone loss, the dental professional evaluates the reason for the infection and removes the defective implant. It is also possible that the dental implant may break or separate completely from where it is supposed to be.
It is imperative that your dental hygienist uses proper protocols, including sterility, preventing bone overheating, designing the right flap, stable insertion, and placing implants where there is enough bone.
