Signs of a failed dental implant that you need to know

Top dentists like purchasing dental implants from the best dental implants companies to minimize the risk of failed implants. Dental implants are very successful and predictable procedures. However, just like other medical procedures, it may not always be successful. Failed dental implants are usually a rare situation. In case it happens to you, there is no need to panic. Continue reading this guide to learn how you can recognize when your dental implants require additional evaluation.

Understanding the anatomy of a dental implant

Dental implants have three parts: A screw-like titanium body inserted into the jaw bone, an abutment and a crown that is fixed to the abutment. Issues can develop with any of the three parts. Dental implants are typically made of metal. For dental implants to function, they have to fuse with the jawbone through a process known as osseointegration. During this process, the human body produces living bone cells that grow around the surface of the dental implant and anchor it to the jawbone. With time, a healthy bone will surround the dental implant. When osseointegration does not happen the way it is supposed to happen, it can cause issues after implantation.

How to recognize a failing implant

In some cases, the bone does not grow properly around a dental implant. If this is the case then mobility will be noticed. The movement may start as a slight movement that only a dentist can recognize. But with time, the implant that has failed to integrate will start moving when you chew. Top dental implant companies recommend re-evaluation if this happens. A failed dental implant will be consistently movable. Pain, infection or swelling are also signs of lost osseointegration. But that is not always the case. Your dentist might recommend an x-ray to evaluate your bone growth if he notices that your dental implant is mobile. X-ray of a failed dental implant is likely to show loss of bone around the metal portion of the implant.

Failed dental implant risk factors

Dental implant procedure success depends on a lot of factors, but certain medical conditions and habits can increase your risk of failed implants. Bruxism and gum disease can also damage a healing dental implant. Diseases such as osteoporosis that attacks bone density and strength can make it hard for the dental implant to anchor. Cancer treatment might also be the reason to pause a dental implant procedure. Radiation therapy for neck and head cancers may inhibit bone healing.

Treatment

You can remove a failed implant while under local anesthesia. No bone graft will be required if the bone is still intact around the dental implant location. However, if there is bone loss then your dentist may recommend a bone graft. The main purpose of bone graft is to improve the site before the dental implant is replaced. Before replacing your dental implant, a bone graft should be given time to heal. During the healing process, your dentist will discuss various ways to reduce the risk factors that led to the failure of the dental implant such as using poor quality implants from unknown dental implants companies, smoking and drinking.