Failed Dental Implant – What Are My Options?

Dental implants have become the go-to treatment for missing teeth and not without good reason. Studies have shown that they have a success rate of between 90 and 95% over 10 years so you can feel confident that implants are generally a long-lasting  solution for tooth loss. But what happens if an implant fails? What are your treatment options for a failed dental implant? This article tells you all you need to know. But before we dive into treatment options, it’s important to understand the science of dental implants and why they sometimes fail.

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a surgical fixture that connects with the bone of the jaw or skull, serving as a foundation for various dental prosthetics like crowns, bridges, dentures, facial prostheses, or as a stabilizing point for orthodontic treatments.

Osseointegration is a natural phenomenon crucial for the success of dental implants. It involves the body generating bone cells around the implant surface, effectively integrating it with the jawbone.

Is my implant failing?

When an implant starts to fail, the first thing you might notice is that it feels loose or wobbly. This happens because the bone isn't attaching to the implant like it should. At first, it might just be a tiny bit loose, which your dentist can detect. But as time goes on, it can become more noticeable, especially when you're eating or talking. If the implant completely fails, it will move around a lot.

Other signs of a failing implant could be pain, swelling, or infection, but not always. Usually, an X-ray will show if there's bone loss around the implant. So, if we see any movement in the implant, we'll take an X-ray to check how the bone is growing around it.

What are the causes and treatment of a failed dental implant?

The reasons and treatment for dental implant failure vary based on when and why it happens. Normally, the oral surgeon or dentist will take out the implant, check if your gums or bone need any care, and give the area time to heal. A skilled dentist can figure out why the implant failed and suggest how to fix it. Dental implant failure is typically categorized as either early/short-term or late/long-term failure by experts.

Early or short-term dental implant failure

Early or short-term dental implant failure happens when the jawbone and implant don't fuse properly and typically occurs within the first few weeks or months following implant placement and before functional loading with a prosthetic structure. Factors like:

• uncontrolled diabetes
• smoking
• low bone density
• radiotherapy
• periodontitis, and
• poor surgical skills  

can lead to this type of failure. With a comprehensive examination and CT scans, a skilled dentist can create a plan to restore your oral health, whether it involves replacing the implant or exploring other treatment options.

Late implant failure

Late implant failure is less common and usually occurs within one to three years following implant placement. The cause of late implant failure may be a loose or broken screw or abutment but more often bruxism (nighttime teeth grinding or clenching) and peri-implantitis are to blame.

Loose or broken abutment or implant screw

There are various reasons why an abutment or implant screw becomes loose or breaks. These include:

• Putting too much pressure on the implant, such as heavy chewing or teeth-grinding
• Gum or bone issues
• Quality or material of the implant
• Positioning of the restoration (crown or denture)

Once your dental implants have healed, it's crucial to have regular check-ups with your dentist and periodic X-rays to catch any problems early, such as bone loss, gum disease and an unsteady implant.

Peri-implantitis

Peri-implantitis is a disease characterized by persistent inflammation and infection of the gums surrounding dental implants. Symptoms may include bleeding, swelling, and discomfort. Untreated, this disease can negatively impact the jawbone. Things like smoking, unmanaged diabetes, and inadequate plaque management make the problem worse. Should your dentist or surgeon detect early signs of this condition, they may suggest deep dental cleaning, changes to how you clean your teeth, antibiotics, and even surgery.

However, if an implant fails due to peri-implantitis, treatment options may include bone grafting, removing the implant, allowing for healing, or replacing the implant. Your dentist will discuss these options with you after conducting an examination and diagnostic tests.

What are my options for a failed dental implant?

The positive news is that if detected early, failed dental implants can often be rescued. Alternatively, we may opt to install a new implant in the same spot as the previous one. When a dental implant doesn't succeed, it's usually due to an underlying issue. We'll remove the failed implant to address the problem and give your gums and bone time to recover. During this recovery period, we'll also discuss strategies to mitigate the risk factors that led to implant failure, such as quitting smoking or completing ongoing radiotherapy treatment. After that, we'll explore options to help you regain your smile, which may include getting a new implant or other alternatives such as a partial denture, veneers or bridge.

Conclusion

You shouldn’t have to deal with a failed dental implant in your life. Understanding why implants can fail before you get them can help ensure their success and longevity. Visiting a highly experienced dental implant dentist and undergoing a comprehensive assessment to confirm your suitability for the treatment, will alleviate potential problems regarding dental implant failure.

Why not schedule a consultation with the experienced team at Chesterfield Dentistry and get all your implant questions and concerns answered?