Can Dental Implants Fail?

Reducing the risk of implant failure.

Dental implants typically have a very high success rate indeed. In the vast majority of people, they will be placed successfully, filling any gaps between the teeth that may have previously existed.

The fact is though, that dental implants can, very occasionally fail. This is rare and almost always has a specific reason associated with the failure, many of which can be avoided.

Most failures are associated with the osseointegration period (when the jaw bonds to the titanium implant) and we will  take a look at some of the more common factors below.

Bone Loss

Bone loss is most common in older people, those who smoke and those with certain illnesses.

If a dental implant is placed where there is insufficient bone, even though it may bond with the implant, it is likely to become unstable and fail.

Patients of the Darren Bywater Dental Implant Centre though, should have no concerns about this. We always scan and x-ray the jaw prior to the procedure and will not place implants unless we are happy that there is sufficient bone available for the procedure to proceed.

In cases, where there is an insufficient amount, a bone graft may be used to build the bone up before we commence.

Infections and smoking

As well as thinning the bone, smoking also increases the risk of infections of the gum and bone. One of the reasons for this is that it narrows the small blood vessels in that area and therefore any wounds are slower to heal and may become infected.

It is for this reason that we instruct our dental implant patients to cease smoking or drinking heavily for a period either side of the procedure.

Injury

Although not strictly limited to the time during osseointegration, a heavy blow to the implant can cause it to become damaged or the bone surrounding it may be weakened and cause the implant to become loose.

Whilst no one can say when or if this may occur in our daily life, those at risk, such as those participating in heavy contact sports, may decide to wait until after their career is over before having implants placed.

Inferior Implants

A common cause of implant failure, particularly when placed cheaply abroad, is the use of poor quality implants. These may be used to reduce the price; however, titanium implants are the only ones that ensure the osseointegration process is successful and other cheaper metals are likely to cause them to fail.

At our Derby dental implant centre, the use of top quality Straumann dental implants means that the likelihood of failure for this reason is almost non existent.

Bruxism

If you are a teeth grinder, this should be rectified before you have dental implants placed.

Grinding your teeth with a newly placed implant is likely to weaken it and may even eventually cause the implant to become loose.

By using only the highest quality dental implants, very experienced staff and and a rigorous and trusted treatment process, at the Darren Bywater Dental Implant Centre in Derby we try our utmost to give your new implant the best chance of a successful outcome. If you would like to discuss in more detail or to arrange a consultation, please call our dedicated team on 01332 550933.

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