Dental implants are one of the best ways to replace one or more missing teeth; they can even be used to support a full denture on one or both arches. With proper care and maintenance, dental implants have a success rate between 95% and 97%! The restoration may eventually need to be replaced due to regular wear or if it becomes compromised. While rare, dental implants can fail and the implant itself may need to be replaced with healing time in between removal and replacement.
What might cause an implant to fail?
There are a few factors that can cause an implant to fail. Some reasons include:
* insufficient bone structure
* a weak immune system
* stress applied to the implant during healing
* biological rejection of the implant
What happens when an implant fails?
Most dental offices reserve time in their schedule each day for emergencies, so you will likely be able to see your dentist on the same day. If your implant comes out after business hours, call the office anyway to get the after hours emergency information or leave a message so someone can get back to you as soon as possible. In the event that your actual implant becomes loose or falls out, it is extremely important that you contact your dentist right away so that you can be seen as soon as possible!
Your dentist may be able to re-insert your implant and tighten it to make sure it does not fall out again. There is also the chance that only the restoration will come off of the implant, which is not an emergency. If only the implant crown or other restoration comes loose, it can usually be screwed back down again but you still need to see your dentist as soon as possible to avoid further damage to the prosthesis or the implant.
The abutment is the piece that holds the restoration in place on the implant and can be custom-made or stock. If the abutment becomes damaged and needs to be replaced, you will have an easier time having that repaired if you have a stock abutment. A custom abutment would need to be fabricated again but a stock abutment is typically on hand at any dental lab. With a stock abutment, even if you are out of town when your abutment is compromised, you can have your implant fixed!
In the event that the implant itself is loose and moving below the gum line, you might have a loss of bone structure which is often due to advanced periodontal disease. If periodontal disease is caught early, it can usually be treated with a deep cleaning by your dental hygienist accompanied by improved oral hygiene at home. You may also require an antibiotic to make sure the infection is cleared up completely. If periodontal disease is caught in an early stage, your doctor may be able to re-insert your implant once everything is healed and healthy.
Can a failing implant be saved?
To determine if an implant can be saved, you will need an exam by your Dentist and possibly the doctor that placed your implant. If any part of your implant falls out, you should contact your general Dentist immediately. During the exam, they will take x-rays to help determine the reason your implant has fallen out. When you call your doctor’s office, describe to them exactly what fell out if you can. If just the crown fell out, then the implant itself is likely still in place. Your dentist will review the x-rays and discuss your options on how to resolve the problem. If your implant cannot be re-inserted, you will be provided with alternative treatment options to dental implants.
Dental Implant Care and Maintenance
A dental implant is surgically placed directly into the jaw bone below the gum line. A small portion of the implant is left protruding above the gum tissue so that the abutment and implant restoration can be placed. A successful implant fuses to the bone, creating a stable foundation for the restoration. Even though an implant is incredibly strong and durable, there are still some precautions that should be observed to avoid putting too much pressure on the implant.
Hard foods that are difficult to chew can damage your implant and sticky foods can become stuck to the implant and may be difficult to brush away. Foods such as popcorn and nuts can become lodged between teeth and irritate your implant so it is best to either avoid them or to eat them sparingly.
Implant patients need to maintain optimal oral care to get the most out of their implants and to prevent further damage to other teeth. It is important to floss at least once a day, especially around your implant, and to brush at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Regular visits for professional cleanings will help ensure that your implant remains healthy for as long as possible.
Patients that develop periodontal disease are at a higher risk for implant failure so good oral hygiene and regular dental visits are crucial. The doctor who placed your implant will also want to see you at least once a year for follow-up examinations to make sure that your implant is healthy and that your bone structure is sound.
As we age, we tend to lose bone mass so it is important for patients to maintain a healthy diet and possibly incorporate supplements to maintain strong bone fusion with your implant. Treating bone mass issues and gum disease can greatly improve the likelihood of keeping an implant.
One of the main reasons an implant comes out is because the patient puts too much pressure on it while it is healing. Excessive pressure prevents the bone from creating the osseointegration necessary to ensure proper bone-to-implant fusion
Even if you do not experience any issues following your implant placement surgery, it is important to follow through with post-op directions and to see your doctor as instructed until you are fully healed so that you can stay on schedule to receive your permanent implant restoration.