What are the most common causes of dental implant failure?

A dental implant is a replacement tooth root made of biocompatible materials surgically placed in the jawbone to serve as a support point for a bridge or replacement teeth. They are a widespread and long-lasting solution for missing teeth.

They help restore the function and appearance of the mouth. In addition, implants can prevent bone loss in the jaw and improve oral health. They are often more comfortable and convenient alternatives to traditional dentures or bridges.

However, like any other oral care treatment, there are chances that your dental implant procedure may fail. There are various causes of the same, and in this article, we will give brief information about that!

What are the types of dental implant failure? 

There are generally two types of implants failures:

1. Early implant failure: This occurs within a few months after the surgical placement and is usually due to poor implant stability, poor bone quality or quantity, infection, or other surgical complications.
2. Late implant failure: This occurs after the artificial tooth has been in place for several months or years and is usually caused by factors such as poor oral hygiene, gum disease, excessive biting forces, or other health-related issues.

Now that you know about the types of implantation failures, let us see the reasons for the same below.

What are the reasons for dental implant failure?

There are various reasons for this oral treatment failure—for example, your lifestyle, brushing habits, etc. Below we have explained some of those reasons: 

1. Poor oral hygiene: Failing to maintain proper oral hygiene can lead to the accumulation of bacteria and plaque around the fake teeth, which can cause infection and ultimately lead to implant failure.
2. Inadequate bone support: Dental implants require adequate bone support to remain stable and functional. If the bone is not sufficient or is of poor quality, the treatment may not integrate properly and may fail in some cases.
3. Oral infection: Infection can occur during or after the oral surgery and can lead to implant failure if not adequately treated.
4. Overloading: Excessive force or pressure placed on the implant, such as clenching or grinding teeth, can cause the treatment to fail.
5. Implant placement errors: Implants that are placed improperly can result in procedure failure. In addition, if the implant components are not correctly placed or integrated, they can lead to further dental complications. 
6. Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune diseases, can increase the risk of this oral treatment failure.
7. Smoking: Smoking can hinder the healing process and lower the success rate of dental implant surgery, increasing the risk of its failure.

How can you prevent dental implant failure? 

Failure of this oral care treatment can not be determined, but you can indeed take some conscious steps to stop it from happening once you get the fake teeth implanted. So, here are some tips that will help you take better care of your fake teeth and keep any complications away: 

1. Maintain good oral hygiene: Make sure you floss and brush your teeth twice each day to prevent the building up of bacteria and plaque.
2. Attend regular dental check-ups: Regular oral check-ups can help detect any issues with the implants and ensure it is properly maintained.
3. Avoid excessive force or pressure on the fake teeth: Avoid clenching or grinding your teeth, and be careful when eating hard or sticky foods.
4. Follow post-operative care instructions: Follow all postoperative directions from your dentist or oral surgeon to help ensure proper healing and integration of the fake teeth.
5. Manage any medical conditions: If you have a medical condition, such as diabetes or autoimmune disease, work with your doctor to manage it and reduce the risk of this oral treatment failure.

Lastly, it is vital to detect any mishap with this treatment at the earliest, so if you see symptoms like persistent pain, swelling, or inflammation of the gums or implants getting loose, immediately consult your dentist.