One of the most common treatments for missing teeth is dental implants. This method can give you a beautiful and natural smile. It also generally has high maintenance and longevity. Implant surgery, like every other surgery, is prone to failure, however. Failed Dental Implants can happen right after surgery or a little bit later, but let’s find out why dental implants fail and how to recognize them first.

It is better to know the nitty-gritty of dental implants, the reasons for implant failure, and signs of failed dental implants before finally deciding to have implants.

Dental implants are a type of dental prosthesis that replaces one or more missing teeth. Implants consist of three parts. A screw that is placed on the jawbone, an abutment, and a crown that is placed on the screw complete the tooth and create the natural appearance and function of a healthy tooth for people. Of course, there are types of dental implants that have some differences. But the result is all supposed to be the creation of teeth with a natural appearance.

According to studies, implants have a 97% success rate after 10 years and 75% after 20 years; hence, implants are a safe operation. For dental implants to be performed with minimum risk and maximum likelihood of success, there is a requirement for a specialist doctor to thoroughly examine the health of the teeth, jaw, and mouth. Also, maintaining oral hygiene can be effective in the final result.

However, there is still a chance of implant failure. Failed Dental Implants have clear signs. Dental implant failure can occur early (less than three months after surgery) or late (more than three months after surgery). But the signs are the same.

Why Dental Implants Fail

There are various reasons for the failed dental implants. Some of these reasons are related to the type of implant and Improper implant placement or anguation. For this reason, it is important to see an experienced specialist for the implant to minimize problems.

In addition to these, the condition of your jaw and body can also be affected. These factors are checked by the specialist to ensure that you are a good candidate for dental implants. A bone grafting procedure, performed by a specialist, may be necessary to prepare the site for your future implant.

Finally, the following can be among the most important factors that cause dental implant failure.

• Failure of osseointegration: The implant does not fully bond with the surrounding bone.
• Peri-implantitis: Infection and inflammation in the tissues around the implant.
• Excessive pressure or premature loading: Too much force is applied before the implant is fully stable.
• Poor bone quality or prior bone surgery, Such as sinus lift or bone graft procedures.
• Systemic conditions or habits: Uncontrolled diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or smoking.

What are the signs of failed dental implants?

Knowing the signs of a failed dental implant can help you avoid confusing normal symptoms with serious ones and, if a problem arises, see your doctor immediately to get it fixed. Below are 5 of the most important signs of failed dental implants.

1. Severe Discomfort And Pain 

Pain that is manageable after implants is normal and should improve as wounds heal and swelling subsides. However, if your toothache worsens and does not improve, or if you experience severe and unmanageable pain, do not disregard it. The pain can be a sign of infection or implant issue and must be investigated.

2. Difficulty Chewing

If the implant was placed correctly and successfully, chewing and biting should not be difficult. One of the important benefits of implants is improved chewing. After a while, eating with the implant will become comfortable and feel like your other teeth. If you have difficulty eating and biting over time or develop a cavity, the implant may have failed.

3. Gum Inflammation

Healthy gums, adequate jawbone, and a good implant are essential to preventing implant failure. A gum bacterial infection, or peri-implantitis cause a large proportion of failures. The symptoms of the infection are pain on swelling, inflammation, and redness of the gums. Infected gums are tender and will have white pus on them. 

If any of these symptoms occur, seek a doctor’s help in an emergency to prevent the infection from worsening. If the infection in the gums is not treated, it may cause the failure of the implant.

4.  Shifting Or Loosening Of The Implant

As part of the implant process, it is important that the implant becomes integrated with the jawbone properly. This is a time-consuming process, and thus, in the majority of cases, it is first anchored to the jaw and the remaining parts of the implant treated later so that the jaw gets enough time to bond. However, if the tooth gets loose or changes its position following the fixation of the implant, it might be a sign that the implant is not properly bonded with the jaw. If you notice this variation in your implant, go see your dentist immediately because this is one of the indications of failed dental implants.

5. Allergic Reactions

The human body may also reject implants for a number of reasons. An allergic reaction is one of them. Implants are typically titanium. The alloy is not normally an allergen, but if you have swelling and redness around the implant and a buzzing in your mouth, visit your doctor.

Zirconia implants are now a biocompatible alternative that is made without metal and eliminates the possibility of metal sensitivity.

For reasons best known to themselves, you may experience any of these symptoms after an implant. In those situations, it is important to act quickly. For example, if the cause of your implant failure is gum infection, treatment will save your implant from failure in good time. It is thus advisable that if you notice any of these signs, such as swelling, redness, gum infection, or loosening of the implant, consult your doctor right away.

What signs are normal

Dental implants, with all their benefits, are a type of surgery that requires a short recovery period and can have complications. Swelling, manageable pain, a little bleeding, and a feeling of pressure at the implant site are normal after a dental implant.

What is important is that this discomfort should be manageable with pain relievers and subside within 2-3 days. If your pain increases or you have excessive bleeding, see your doctor. The key to saving your dental implant in these situations is speed in diagnosis and action.

With some precautions, you can have a more comfortable recovery period and have fewer problems. Maintaining good oral hygiene, avoiding smoking, checking for underlying diseases such as high blood pressure, and strengthening your jawbone if needed can significantly increase the success rate of your implant.

Final Verdict

If you have recently had a dental implant treatment and facing any of the signs above, it is best for you to see an implantologist asap and if you are in California we highly suggest you to have Dr. Horiyat check out your case to make sure all the necessary measures are taken.