How to Handle a Failed Dental Implant

Dental implants are known to last 30 years or longer with proper care but there are instances when complications can arise. Although failure is rare, it’s not impossible, which is why it’s important that you understand how to handle this type of situation should you find yourself suffering from pain or swelling around the prosthetic. A local prosthodontist is here to explain the causes of dental implant failure and what can be done to save your smile in the future.

Dental Implant Failure: What Causes It?

When placed by a trusted and experienced prosthodontist, the success rate for initial dental implant placement is typically around 95%. It’s unlikely that most patients who receive permanent prosthetics will experience problems or issues immediately following or years after their surgery. However, there are cases of dental implant failure that occur because of the following reasons:

• Failed osseointegration: This is when the bone and implant do not fuse during the recovery phase. This can often happen as a result of smoking or other unhealthy habits as well as a compromised immune system.
• Improper placement: Depending on the skillset of the implant dentist, they may not place the post correctly, causing it to become loose over time.
• Peri-implantitis: Similar to gum disease, bacteria and plaque can develop around the implant and begin to attack the soft oral tissues and eventually the bone.

How to Tell If Your Implant is Failing

If you are unsure of the symptoms associated with dental implant failure, you may not realize there is an actual problem. This is why you must be informed of the possible signs so you can seek immediate help. The most common symptoms include:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Loose dental implant
• Difficulty chewing food
• Bad breath
• Bleeding gums

Ways Your Dentist Can Help

The good news about dental implant failure is that your dentist can implement effective strategies and techniques to save your smile. Depending on the severity of the problem, they may need to remove the implant and allow for proper healing before attempting another post placement, but they may also be able to treat the area around the implant without removing the actual post.

With dental implant salvage, your prosthodontist will evaluate what is occurring beneath the implant before developing a plan. If the problem is minor, antibiotics may be all you need to notice a dramatic, positive result. However, if serious infection or damage occurs beneath the gum line, it may be necessary to remove the implant, perform a bone graft (if necessary) and eliminate the infection that is plaguing your smile. If it’s possible, your dentist will place a new implant the same day or have you wait until the area is fully healed before attempting replacement.

While dental implant failure is something you want to avoid, it’s not the end of the road should it happen to you. Talk to your dentist about ways to reduce your risk so you can continue to enjoy a longer-lasting, healthier smile.

About the Author
Dr. Vrajesh Shah is a prosthodontist in Edison and dental implant salvage expert who has more than 20 years of experience helping individuals achieve healthier smiles. Moving to the U.S. after completing his dental training in his native India in 1998 and practicing for 10 years, he earned a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at New York University College of Dentistry and prosthodontic training. Dr. Shah provides in-house, start-to-finish dental implant treatment. If you are dealing with symptoms associated with implant failure, contact us via our website or call (732) 906-0077.