What Happens If My Dental Implant Fails?

Sometimes in life, despite trying your best, things just don’t work out the way you’d hoped. Whether your favorite sports team loses the championship, you hit unexpected traffic on your way to work, or your dental implant fails to integrate to your jawbone, our best intentions aren’t always enough to ensure success.

When it comes to dental implants, you can’t just walk away after dental implant failure. Further intervention will be required to help you heal and prevent more damage to your jawbone. Here’s what to expect when faced with dental implant failure.

Why Dental Implants Fail

Dental implants are attached via a process called osseointegration. Once successful osseointegration is complete, the titanium screw that comprises the implant will be securely imbedded in the jawbone. The only removable parts will be the abutment which holds the crown, and the crown itself.

Despite a high overall success rate, in a very small number of cases osseointegration fails. This can be due to several different reasons, including:

• Gum disease
• Poor oral hygiene
• Smoking
• Lack of substantial jawbone
• Teeth grinding
• Certain medications
• Auto-immune disease
• Failure to follow post-operative instructions

Warning Signs of Dental Implant Failure

While it is important to attend all your follow-up exams after your dental implant surgery, you may notice some warning signs of implant failure between appointments, including:

• Gum recession
• Gum inflammation
• Loosening of the rod
• Swollen/bleeding implant area
• Severe pain
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your dentist at once for an evaluation.

What Happens if My Dental Implants Fail?

Unfortunately, when implants fail, they must be surgically removed from the jawbone. You may also need a bone graft or sinus augmentation to help restore stability to the affected area. Though removal surgery can be done in one day, the healing process can take up to six months, after which time you could be ready to try replacing the implant. This will depend on why your implant failed, and if you were able to correct the underlying cause.

In some cases, it will simply not be possible to re-try attaching a new implant, and your dentist can discuss options like bridges or dentures.

Remember, your dentist wants your dental implant surgery to be a success, so rest assured he or she will do their best to accurately assess your oral health prior to your procedure. If it is determined that you need further intervention for a successful osseointegration, or if it is discovered that you are not a good candidate for implants, your dentist will discuss your options with you.

About Dr. Braga

A Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and board certified in both periodontics and dental implant surgery, Dr. Justin Braga is also a Clinical Associate Professor at USC.

To schedule an appointment at Huntington Beach Periodontics & Dental Implants, please visit our website or call us at 714-587-9094.