So you have invested months of your time and lots of your money in a dental implant to restore your smile, only to face discomfort or complications months later. 

While dental implants have an extremely high success rate, the reality is that, like any medical procedure, they’re not without risks.

Dental implants have a strong track record of long-term success compared to other restorative dental treatments. Studies across the industry often report a success rate of 90-95% over five years, with some research showing even higher results. However, implant failures can still occur.

Recognizing the signs of dental implant failure is crucial—not only can it save your implant, but it can also help you take proactive action to prevent further issues down the line. 

Understanding Dental Implant Failure

Dental implant failure occurs when your implant does not properly integrate with the jawbone or experiences complications that prevent it from functioning as intended. Normally, dental implants bond with the bone through a process called osseointegration, creating a stable foundation for replacement teeth. 

When this process is disrupted, either due to infection, poor bone quality, or surgical complications, the implant may loosen, become painful, or fail to support the artificial tooth.

Signs of Dental Implant Failure

Severe Pain & Discomfort

Experiencing some discomfort after your dental implant procedure is normal, but pain can also be a red flag for implant failure. So, how do you tell the difference?

During the healing phase, pain is usually mild and lasts for a few days, but it is easily managed with doctor-prescribed painkillers. However, if the pain becomes severe and throbbing and occurs weeks or months after the procedure, it could be a sign of dental implant failure. 

Gum Recession Around the Implant

Gum recession around an implant can be caused by improper implant positioning or insufficient gum and bone tissue to support the implant. 

One of the first signs of gum recession is the appearance of a longer-than-usual implant crown, often followed by painful swelling around the area. To avoid this, your surgeon must position the implant correctly using precise digital diagnostics. 

Difficulty Chewing & Biting

If you find it difficult to chew or bite your food, this could be a warning sign of dental implant failure. 

Under normal circumstances, you shouldn’t feel any discomfort or abnormality while eating, speaking, or biting. Implants are designed to function just like your natural teeth, so any pain during these activities isn’t normal. If you experience pain when chewing, it’s similar to the discomfort caused by a tooth with a cavity, and it’s a sign that something isn’t right with your implant.

Shifting & Loose Implant

A well-placed dental implant should feel completely natural, so much so that you forget it’s even there. It should never feel like a foreign object in your mouth.

However, if the implant isn’t properly secured, you might notice it wobbling when you talk, eat, or touch it. This is one of the most obvious signs of dental implant failure. 

Swollen Gums

While some swelling is normal after a dental implant procedure, it should subside within a few days. If the swelling persists or worsens, this could be a red flag. 

Severely swollen and red gums are often a sign of infection. Left untreated, the infection can spread to other areas of your mouth and, in extreme cases, even enter the bloodstream, leading to serious health risks. 

Implant Micro-Movements

In some cases, a tooth replacement is placed immediately after implant surgery, allowing for a quicker healing process and fewer follow-up visits. While convenient, this approach can sometimes put excess stress on the implant if your jawbone isn't strong enough, potentially leading to dental implant failure.

Common Causes that Lead to Dental Implant Failure

• Misalignment of the Implant: Proper positioning of the implant is crucial, as it should be fully surrounded by bone. Misalignment can lead to unnatural-looking crowns, gum recession, and visible dark grey metal around the gum. 
• Poorly Taken Impressions: Inaccurate impressions by the dentist can lead to gaps between the crown and gum, allowing bacteria to enter and potentially cause infections. 
• Peri-Implantitis & Other Infections: Peri-implantitis is a leading cause of dental implant failure, often resulting from bacterial formation shortly after the procedure. This inflammatory condition can harm the surrounding gums and bone, leading to bone loss or implant failure, and while it can be treated, replacement is often necessary. 
• Failed Osseointegration: Osseointegration refers to the process by which a titanium implant bonds with the jawbone, typically taking several weeks to months. However, if the implant does not fully integrate, it can become loose or even fall out, often due to insufficient bone density. 
• Nerve Damage: Although nerve damage is uncommon, it can occur if an implant is placed too close to surrounding nerves, often due to inexperienced dentists or a lack of thorough treatment planning.

What Should You Do if You Notice Signs of Dental Implant Failure?

If you suspect that your implant has failed, it's important not to delay seeking help. Ignoring a failed implant can lead to long-term oral health issues that can be both painful and hazardous.

If you're worried that you are showing signs of dental implant failure, contact your dentist immediately. They will assess your surgical site to determine if failure has occurred and offer a dependable replacement solution.

How to Prevent Dental Implant Failure

Implant failure is quite rare, but like any surgical procedure, there are inherent risks involved. The last thing anyone wants is to go through the implant process only to discover something has gone wrong.

Here are some effective ways to significantly lower your risk of implant failure:

• Choose a qualified specialist: Selecting an experienced dental implant expert is crucial, as they will know how to properly fit and secure your implant for a successful outcome.
• Ensure adequate bone density: Your implant requires sufficient support to properly fuse with your jawbone. Make sure that your dentist does the right evaluation to confirm your candidacy for this procedure. 
• Maintain good dental hygiene: Regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings will help keep your gums and teeth healthy, extending the lifespan of your dental implant.
• Quit smoking: Smoking is horrible for your oral health, so it’s highly recommended to stop before getting an implant.
• Follow a balanced diet: Eating nutritious foods is vital for oral health, both with and without implants. In the days following your surgery, opt for soft or easy-to-eat foods to aid in your recovery.

Takeaway

In most instances, dental implant procedures are highly successful, with only a small percentage experiencing failure. While these cases may seem rare, it’s essential to recognize the possible signs of dental implant failure early on.

A dental implant should feel just like your natural teeth. If you notice any unusual sensations, it could indicate something is amiss with your implant. 

Before proceeding with the dental implant, it's vital to have a thorough consultation with your surgeon and dentist. They should carefully review your medical history to check for allergies and assess the strength of your gums and jawbone to ensure a successful outcome.

If you're considering dental implants, don’t hesitate to contact the Middle Georgia Center for Cosmetic Dentistry. Our team is ready to provide you with expert care and exceptional implant services tailored to your needs. 

Book your appointment today. 

FAQ

Can a failed dental implant be corrected?

Yes, a failed dental implant can usually be repaired. Treatment may involve:

• Removing the failed implant and placing a new one.
• Performing a bone graft if there's been bone loss.
• Treating any infections or underlying issues that caused the failure.

Can gum recession indicate implant failure?

Yes, gum recession around the implant may be a sign of implant failure. This can occur if the implant isn’t positioned correctly or if there’s insufficient bone or gum tissue to support it. It can also expose the implant and lead to further complications.