Failed Dental Implants- Causes and Treatments

Dental Implant Failures: Cause and Effect Factors

Dental Implants represent the ideal in tooth replacement dentistry and are considered to be the Gold Standard of treatment. No other technology currently exists that approaches the efficiency and accuracy of an implanted tooth. Characteristics of the artificial root form structure are similar to what Mother Nature provides.

According to Sunnyvale Implant Dentist Dr. Bhawna Gupta, implants provide hard and soft tissue stimulation that preserves critical bone mass and sustains life in surrounding tissues. Implemented properly and selectively, without complication, they can provide years and years of enduring service. Implanted teeth enduring for 20 years and more are becoming quite common.

Nonetheless, implant failures do happen. Younger patients usually have a higher degree of long term implant success. Healthy jawbone structures, absence of periodontal disease and the absence of a variety of common oral health issues that may require tissue grafts aren’t as prevalent, compared to older patients.

Periodontal disease, poor soft tissue and compromised jawbone integrity become primary causes of eventual implant failures as we all age.

If you are considering dental implant treatment, our team at Sunnyvale Dental Care Practice can determine what are your implant failure risk factors and if an implant procedure is right for you. Schedule an appointment today!

 

Early Implant Failures

Technique errors oftentimes cause implants to fail early. Overheating of jaw bone material during site preparation can be a factor. The application of too much force (torque) or not enough force at the time of insertion can also be a factor. Contamination problems involving the implant itself and/or the surgical site will cause failure by interfering with the critical osseointegration process. Even temporaries, if used and improperly placed, may result in excessive or unusual forces upon the implant device and prevent normal osseointegration. Poor bone quality is a very common cause of implant failure. This poor bone quality can be a result of improper evaluation of existing bone volume or density, inadequate socket or maxillary sinus bone graft.  

Delayed Implant Failures

Implants that become loose, wobbly or fall out after an extended period of good dental function typically result from unusual excessive forces on the implanted tooth... which commonly arises out of a bite that is shifting laterally (crossbite) or changes in the vertical dimension (normal height of lower and upper jaws in the resting position). Plain simple wear and tear on adjacent teeth can be also be the culprit. Bruxism or teeth clenching are also known to destroy good implants.  

Diagnosing Current and Impending Implant Failures

Determining the cause and effect relationship of a failed implant, in many cases, can be an academic pursuit. In many situations however, it is imperative to understand a variety of potential factors that cause a failed implant. Oversight can lead to a repeat of the implant failure.       Fixing Failed Implants and Restorations Patients with an implant failure problem should always seek experienced doctors who rely on several technologies from a wide variety of dental component suppliers. The greater number of available implant technology resources usually lead to a greater number of choices in treatment plan development.