Dental implants in Turkey have greatly improved dentistry by providing a strong and nice-looking solution for replacing missing teeth. They are successful, with a success rate of over 95%. However, there is still a possibility of implant failure. Understanding the causes is important to create a treatment plan for the implant procedure to ensure long-term success.
Types of Implant Failure
1) Early Implant Failure
This type of implant failure occurs in the first few months after the placement of the implant. Early implant failure happens when the implant failed to integrate well with the jawbone around it. In these cases, the implant doesn’t form a solid connection with the bone.
There are several reasons why this treatment option can cause this. These reasons include surgical trauma, poor initial stability of the titanium implant, infection, or disruption of the healing process.
2) Late Implant Failure
Late implant failure is when the implant doesn’t work well after it has been in the jawbone for a while. This can happen even if the implant has been working well for months or years.
This failure is usually caused by problems that develop over time. These problems can include infections around the implant, too much stress on the implant, or bone loss because of weak bones. Poor oral hygiene, smoking, and misalignment of the implant can also cause this failure.
Causes of Dental Implant Failure
1) Insufficient Fusing
Osseointegration is the process by which the implant fuses with the surrounding bone. This step ensures the stability and longevity of the implant. Failure in this process can occur because of:
- Poor Bone Quality: The jawbone may not have sufficient density or quality to support the implant. Insufficient bone density can lead to instability of the implantation.
- Inadequate Healing Time: Rushing the healing process can prevent proper integration. This can happen especially if you start using and stressing the implant too soon.
- Improper Placement or Positioning: Misaligned placement can disrupt the bone’s ability to integrate with the implant. Replacing the failed implant can be the only solution in this case.
Symptoms of Insufficient Healing:
- Ongoing discomfort or pain around the implant site.
- The implant may be loose or move around.
- Your chewing ability might not improve.
2) Infection
Peri-implantitis is a bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone around the implant. This infection causes swelling, bone loss, and eventually, the implant can fail. Factors that make it more likely for a person to get this infection:
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Inadequate cleaning allows bacteria to accumulate around the implant.
- Smoking: Tobacco use impairs healing and increases susceptibility to infection.
- Pre-existing Disease: A history of periodontal disease can predispose patients to peri-implantitis.
Symptoms of Peri-implantitis:
- Swelling, redness, or tenderness in the gums around the implant.
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing near the implant.
- Receding gums exposing more of the implant post.
- Persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste.
3) Overloading the Implant
Using too much force on the implant can make it less stable and cause it to fail. This is often because of:
- Premature Loading: Stressing the implant before osseointegration is complete.
- Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Chronic grinding or clenching places undue pressure on the implant.
- Improperly Designed Prosthetic: A crown or bridge that does not fit correctly can create uneven stress distribution.
Symptoms of Overloading:
- Pain or discomfort when chewing.
- Difficulty moving around with the implant or prosthetic.
- Cracks or fractures in the crown or supporting structure.
4) Systemic Health Conditions
Some health problems can make it hard for the body to heal, which can lead to implant failure. These include:
- Uncontrolled Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can hinder wound healing and increase the risk of infection.
- Autoimmune Disorders: Conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis can affect the body’s ability to integrate the implant.
- Osteoporosis or Use of Bisphosphonates: Weak or brittle bones are less likely to support a stable implant.
Symptoms Linked to Systemic Health Issues:
- Slow or incomplete healing after surgery.
- Increased sensitivity or discomfort around the implant.
5) Allergic Reaction or Material Sensitivity
Although rare, some patients may have an allergic reaction to the materials used in the implant, such as titanium. This can cause inflammation, pain, or failure to heal properly.
Symptoms of Material Sensitivity:
- Persistent itching, swelling, or redness around the implant site.
- Unexplained discomfort or pain.
- General malaise or systemic allergic reactions.
6) Surgical Errors
Improper surgical techniques can result in immediate or delayed complications, such as:
- Damage to Surrounding Tissues or Nerves: Accidental injury to nerves can cause pain, numbness, or tingling sensations.
- Poor Implant Placement: Misalignment or insufficient depth can lead to instability or difficulty in osseointegration.
Symptoms of Surgical Errors:
- Persistent pain or numbness post-surgery.
- Visible misalignment or instability of the implant.
Signs of Implant Failure
Patients should watch for the following symptoms:
- Pain or discomfort around the implant that won’t go away.
- Swelling, redness, or bleeding in the area around the implant.
- The implant might not move easily.
- Difficulty chewing or biting.
Prevention and Management
While some risk factors are out of your control, many can be reduced by taking action:
Preoperative Planning:
- Complete review of the patient’s health, using imaging tests and checking the bone quality.
- Treat any existing oral conditions before implant placement.
Patient Education:
- Emphasizing the importance of maintaining excellent oral hygiene.
- Avoiding smoking and managing any health problems in other parts of the body.
- Routine dental check-ups and a good oral hygiene to detect early signs of complications.
Proper surgical techniques:
- Choose an experienced and skilled implantologist to reduce the risk of surgical errors.
- In some cases, additional procedures like bone grafts can be helpful.
- These materials are high-quality and biocompatible, which means they are safe for your body.
Conclusion
At Cosmedica Dental in Turkey, we believe that dental implants are more than just a treatment. Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth because they look natural and help you look and feel your best. But for dental implants to work well over time, there are a few things that you need to know.
Our team at our dental clinic in Turkey handles each step of the implant process with precision. We understand the potential challenges, and we are here to guide you every step of the way. We offer world-class care to ensure your smile stays radiant!