Dental implant failure is not normal. In fact, it’s rare. One of the reasons dental implants are one of the most popular tooth restoration choices even though they are more expensive than crowns or bridges is because they are almost always successful, and they last a long time without needing replacement.
But dental implant failure is a slim possibility. Why does it happen?
1. Infection
Oral surgeons are good at keeping bacteria out of the surgical area during either bone grafting or implant placement, but contamination sometimes happens.
Bacteria may also enter the region after surgery, and if your immune system is low or you have poor dental hygiene post-procedure, infection can set in and jeopardize the dental implant’s stability and longevity.
2. Nerve Damage
Some patients complain that they feel numbness or tingling in their cheeks, gums, lips or tongue after getting dental implants. Naturally, this isn’t the best feeling to live with. In order to help their bodies get back to normal, sometimes the right move is to take out the implant and choose a different restoration path.
3. Sinus Problems
Placing implants on the upper jaw adds another layer of complexity, due to the sinuses. Sinus damage, such as a puncture, could make additional bone grafts necessary to fortify the area before dental implants are placed. Any resulting sinus problems could warrant removing the implants.
4. Allergic Reaction
The metal used in implant fabrication — titanium alloy — sometimes has traces of nickel in it. Both metals can produce an inflammatory allergic response in the body. It’s best to share your full scope of symptoms with doctors, dentists and oral surgeons to eliminate any other potential causes before having the implant removed.
5. Foreign Body Rejection
Some patients’ bodies reject the implants. It starts with them loosening. While you may at first think it’s due to the surgeon’s methods or a lack of supportive bone, it could be that your body is rejecting the implant and trying to force it out of the jaw.
What’s Next?
If you’re experiencing a problem with a dental implant, call our office right away. At Richmond Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, your oral health is our top concern. Whether our team handled the original implant or you would like a second opinion, we can help resolve the issue with either a replacement or a different form of tooth restoration.