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Recognize Failing Dental Implants

Signs of Implant Failure

Dental implants are a permanent, long-lasting way to replace a number of damaged or missing teeth. Nearly 95 percent of implants are successful, but there’s still a chance of failure after placement or even years later. Early and late-term signs of implant failure include:

  • Difficulty chewing or biting down
  • Severe pain or discomfort
  • Loose or shifting dental implant
  • Gum swelling, inflammation, or recession

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, contact us at (970) 259-5600 or fill out a contact form as soon as possible. We’ll assess the problem and determine the best course of action.

Reasons of a Failing Implant

There are several reasons why dental implant failure may occur. This includes gum disease, insufficient jawbone, poor oral hygiene, and serious medical conditions. As with any procedure, complications can develop after implant placement or even years later. 

Learn about the two types of failing dental implants, early failure and late or long-term failure, and what causes them to happen.

Early Implant Failure

Early implant failure can happen within the first four months after placement. This can occur for numerous reasons, such as:

  • Autoimmune disease
  • Poor blood supply
  • Medications
  • Poor oral health
  • Infection
  • Allergic reaction
  • Nerve or tissue damage
  • Rejection of the implant
  • Overloading, or excessive pressure

Late Implant Failure

Meanwhile, late or long-term implant failure can take place anywhere from one to ten years after the procedure. Several common causes for late failure include:

  • Smoking or tobacco use
  • Bruxism (teeth grinding)
  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Lack of gum tissue or bone density
  • Infection
  • Mechanical damage
  • Insufficient implant fixture

Tips for Healthy, Lasting Implants

Sometimes, dental implant failure can’t be prevented due to unchanging factors, but you can help reduce the risk. Dr. Robison suggests these patient-friendly tips to support a successful implant:

  1. Brush at least twice a day and floss regularly
  2. Schedule routine check-ups and teeth cleanings
  3. Avoid smoking and tobacco use
  4. Adopt a healthy, well-balanced diet

If you grind your teeth, be sure to ask your dentist about a mouthguard to help tackle your bruxism and prevent damaging your teeth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there additional ways to help prevent implant failure?
Is dental implant failure common?
I think I have a failing implant. What do I do?
What is overloading?
Are there additional ways to help prevent implant failure?

The most important way to help prevent implant failure is to follow our patient-friendly tips listed above. This includes maintaining good oral hygiene, avoiding smoking and tobacco use, and adopting a well-balanced diet. In addition, Dr. Robison recommends that you keep physical activity to a minimum and avoid spitting or sucking through a straw. This can force pressure on your gums and cause irregular blood flow, interrupting the healing process.

Is dental implant failure common?

The success of a dental implant is nearly 95 percent, so less than about five percent of implants fail. Sometimes implant failure can happen due to fixed factors. However, It’s still important to take preventive measures and maintain good oral hygiene to support a successful implant. This means brushing and flossing regularly, along with scheduling regular check-ups and cleanings.

I think I have a failing implant. What do I do?

If you think your dental implant is failing, it’s important to stay calm and trust that Dr. Robison is here to help. Contact our Durango office immediately at (970) 259-5600 or fill out a contact form located below. We’ll schedule an appointment so Dr. Robison can examine your dental implant to get to the root of the problem and determine a solution.

What is overloading?

Overloading is a common reason for dental implant failure. It’s caused by excessive force or pressure on two pieces of the implant, the abutment and crown. Unfortunately, patients with poor bone density are at higher risk of overloading. If you’re experiencing pain that lasts longer than a week, it’s crucial to contact our office so we can assess the problem.

Visit West Dental Implants & Prosthetics

Dr. Robison and his Durango dental team have years of experience and can tackle any problem that comes their way. To schedule an appointment, give us a call at (970) 259-5600 or simply fill out a contact form below. We look forward to helping maintain your healthy, beautiful smile to last a lifetime.

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