What Causes Dental Implant Failure?
Fortunately, over 95% of dental implants are successful. However, when a patient comes to us with dental implant failure, it’s most often due to gum disease, teeth grinding or other excessive stress on the implant, smoking, or insufficient bone structure.
Dental implants are a complex, multi-phase surgery. It’s important to seek out highly qualified surgeons not only to perform the dental implant procedure, but to correct any implant failure that has occurred.
The board certified oral surgeons at Bergen Oral Surgery have a 70 year history of excellence serving NJ and NY and over 2,000 Google reviews that demonstrate our patients’ happiness.
Below, we’ll go into more detail as to what causes a dental implant to fail, signs of a failing implant, and what to do if you suspect failure.
Common Causes of Dental Implant Failure
As we already stated, implant failure is an uncommon occurrence. However, there are medical conditions and even personal habits that could cause an implant to fail. Let’s review them.
Implant related gum disease (peri-implantitis)
The soft and hard tissues surrounding an implant are susceptible to a form of inflammation known as peri-implantitis. This can lead to bone loss and infection which could result in the loss of an implant. Infection is a common cause of a dental implant failing.
Meticulous oral hygiene can prevent these types of implant failures. Simple solutions like water picks and an alcohol-free mouth wash can help provide deeper cleanings.
Excessive stress on the implant
If a patient has the habit of grinding or clenching their teeth when they are stressed, this can place high levels of pressure on their teeth that an implant may not be able to withstand. Over time, this can lead to an implant failure.
You should also avoid biting on hard objects like ice or even using your teeth to open things (yes, our patients have admitted to this!). You can sleep with a mouth piece to prevent teeth grinding at night. During the day, simply be more conscious of times when you’re clenching your jaw
Read more about TMJ.
Poor overall health
People who are taking certain medications or who are in poor health may not be ideal candidates for dental implants. If your immune system has been compromised you may be less likely to heal well following an implant procedure.
This is a conversation that should be had prior to your dental implant surgery. It is still possible to get dental implants with bone loss or autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. However, you’ll need to speak to your oral surgeon first and see if you’re a candidate.
Smoking or other tobacco use
Smokers suffer from some of the highest rates of implant failure. Nicotine causes blood vessels to constrict which limits the supply of oxygen and nutrients available for healing. Smoking can also cause inflammation around an implant which may result in peri-implantitis. Quitting smoking greatly enhances your overall health and the long-term success of your implants.
Insufficient bone structure or failed bone grafts
Thick, dense bone is the best foundation for a strong implant. In areas where there is insufficient bone or the bone has degenerated due to tooth loss, oral surgeons can perform bone grafts to increase the volume of bone.
Read more about getting dental implants with bone loss.
Warning Signs Your Implant May Fail
Even though dental implant failure is rare, knowing what to look out for can help you catch potential issues early. Below are some common signs that may indicate your implant is not healing properly or is beginning to fail. If you notice any of the following, contact Bergen Oral Surgery right away. We offer emergency care 7 days a week for our patients.
Pain or Discomfort That Persists
Mild soreness is normal after implant surgery, but if pain continues or intensifies weeks after the procedure, it may indicate an issue with healing or infection.
Swelling or Inflammation Around the Gums
Swelling that doesn’t subside—or worsens over time—may signal peri-implantitis or another form of infection around the implant site.
Your Dental Implant Feels Loose
Dental implants should feel as stable as your natural teeth. If your implant feels loose or moves even slightly, it may be failing to integrate with the bone.
Gum Recession or Exposure of Implant
If the gum around your implant begins to recede or the metal post becomes visible, this can be a sign of bone loss or infection beneath the surface.
Difficulty Biting or Chewing
Changes in how your bite feels or discomfort while chewing could suggest that the implant is not properly supported or is under excessive stress.
What to Do If You Think Your Implant is Failing
If you notice signs of implant failure—don’t wait. We can not stress this enough. When a patient comes to us at the first possible sign of failure, we can often correct the problem and save the implant.
If you suspect your implant is failing or want a second opinion, contact Bergen Oral Surgery right away for an evaluation. In many cases, prompt treatment can resolve infection, adjust the implant, or provide corrective procedures to restore your oral health.
Our board-certified, dual degree surgeons specialize in diagnosing and treating dental implant complications, even those placed by other providers.
Call or text 201-477-2667 or request an appointment online. We have four locations in Northern New Jersey, convenient hours six days a week, and emergency appointments seven days a week for patients.
Dental Implant FAQ: Your Questions Answered
We’ve included answers to common questions below. These should not replace personalized answers to questions tailored to your health and individual circumstances. Please call or text our office at 201-477-2667 to set up a consultation.
What is the number one cause of dental implant failure?
Gum disease, also called peri-implantitis, is the leading cause of dental implant failure. Peri-implantitis affects the bone and tissues surrounding the implant. Other common causes include smoking, insufficient bone density, and excessive force on the implant such as teeth grinding or biting hard objects.
Can a failed dental implant be saved?
Yes, in certain cases a failed implant can be saved. It’s important to call an oral surgeon at the first sign of implant failure to correct problems. Many causes of implant failure including gum disease, infection, and bone loss are treatable.
How can you tell if a tooth implant is failing?
When dental implants begin to fail, you’ll notice one or several signs including pain that won’t go away, receding gums around the implant site (possibly exposing the implant), swelling, and potentially a loosening of the implant. Call an oral surgeon right away if you think your implant may be failing.
Helpful Links
Continue Reading About Dental Implants
- Recovering from Dental Implant Surgery
- How Dental Implants Can Improve Jaw Alignment
- Does Dental Implant Surgery Hurt?
