Dental implants are one of the most popular options for replacing missing teeth. This is because detna limplants, feel, function, and look like natural teeth. According to BBC News, over 10,000 dental implants are placed in the lower jaws alone each year. While the demand for tooth implants is growing every day, a small number of incidents related to dental implant failures also come to light. If you’re considering dental implants, but you’re wondering about “why do dental implants fail?”, then this blog is for you.
Read this blog till the end to learn the reason behind implant failures and how to avoid them.
What Are Dental Implants?
According to the British Association of Oral Surgeons, an implant is a screw- or cylinder-shaped fixture that serves as an artificial root. The implant is inserted into the jawbone, where it promotes bond formation around it. Over time, sufficient bone growth occurs, causing the implant to become firmly anchored within the bone. As a result, dental implants provide a solid foundation for any prosthesis placed over them for replacing missing teeth.
What Is The Success Rate Of Dental Implant Therapy?
According to a 2024 meta-analysis of three prospective studies, the 20-year success rate of dental implants is 92%. This means that according to this research, 92% of the implants placed while following the optimal protocol and surgical technique are expected to survive for up to 20 years. Therefore, the success rate of dental implants is higher than any other tooth replacement option.
Can Dental Implants Fail?
While the success rate of dental implants is very high, a small number of tooth implant procedures may fail. The reason behind the failure of tooth implants is mainly related to poor surgical technique and premature or overloading. These issues typically occur when the implant procedures are performed without proper treatment planning. Therefore, it is important to visit an experienced and qualified implant dentist for getting implants, to minimise the risk of implant failures.
What Are The Causes Of Dental Implant Failure?
As mentioned earlier, the failure rate of dental implants is very low. Some of the reasons behind dental implant failures are given below:
- Biological Factors – these include poor surgical technique and improper sterilisation during the procedure, leading to infection. Another possible cause is when there is insufficient jawbone available to support the implant.
- Mechanical Factors – overloading of the implants or using excessive force during their insertion can also cause implant failure
- Patient-related Factors – one of the common causes of implant failures is the presence of underlying conditions, such as reduced immunity, bone diseases, and chronic illnesses, such as uncontrolled diabetes.
If An Implant Fails, Is It Worth Getting Another?
It is possible to get another implant after the previous one fails. However, one must visit an experienced and qualified dentist for this purpose, to ensure that the risk factors for implant failure are minimised.
How Can Implant Failure Be Minimised?
Implant failures can be minimised by visiting an experienced dentist who follows the recommended protocol and surgical technique for their placement. Moreover, one must follow their dentist’s recommendation regarding dental implant care, as doing so will also help in minimizing the risk of their failure.
Can Gum Disease Cause Dental Implant Failure?
It is not recommended to perform dental implant surgery when there is underlying gum disease. The reason is that gum inflammation can adversely affect the ability of healthy bone to grow around the implant and anchor it firmly. This is why dentists first treat gum disease, and then proceed with implant placement.
What Happens If A Dental Implant Gets Infected?
Typical symptoms of an infected dental implant are pain, swelling, and bad odour/taste in the mouth. If you feel that you have an infected implant, you should visit your dentist without delay. There is a high probability that your dentist will be able to treat the infection and save the implant if treatment is sought promptly.
Can You Replace An Old Dental Implant With A New One?
It is possible to replace an old implant with a new one. However, one should avoid replacing an implant that is working well and has no underlying issues. Replacing an old implant is necessary only when the existing one fails or becomes infected. Your dentist will suggest whether you need a new implant after a detailed clinical examination.
What Should I Do After A Failed Dental Implant?
If you have a failed implant, call your dentist immediately for an emergency dentistry appointment. Typically, the best course of action after a failed implant is to replace it with a new one as soon as possible. However, your dentist will wait for a few weeks or months for the underlying inflammation to subside. Once the underlying problem is resolved, they will prepare a customised treatment plan and proceed with implant placement.
What Factors Can Affect The Success Of Dental Implants?
The success rate of dental implants depends mainly on three factors: the quality of the implant used, the dentist’s skill and experience, and patient compliance with the dentist’s instructions for implant care. If any of these factors is overlooked, the success rate of tooth implants may be compromised.
When it comes to getting implants, it is imperative to visit an experienced and renowned implant dentist. If you’re looking for the best dental implant practice in the West Midlands, your best option is to visit Solihull Dental Centre & Implant Clinic. We are a specialised dental implant practice offering top-notch services to our esteemed patients in a relaxing and comfortable environment. Book an appointment with us today and let us give you a healthy, lasting, and beautiful smile with tooth implants.