Why Do Dental Implants Fail?

 

Dental Implants are a fantastic tooth replacement option that has revolutionised modern dentistry, offering a lifelike and long-lasting solution to tooth loss. 

 

If you’ve been searching for effective options to replace your missing teeth, you’ve likely encountered dental implants as the premium and secure choice. We always encourage our patients to consider dental implants, highlighting their proven safety and impressive track record in restoring smiles.

 

That said, while dental implant success rates are impressively high – typically around 95% – there are cases where they may fail. Understanding why dental implants fail is crucial for both patients and dental professionals, as this knowledge is a key factor in achieving successful results. So, let’s delve into why dental implants can sometimes fail and explore ways to mitigate these risks.

 

1) Poor Oral Health and Hygiene

 

Poor oral hygiene is among the most common reasons for dental implant failure. Just like natural teeth, dental implants require regular care and maintenance. Inadequate brushing, flossing and lack of routine dental check-ups can lead to a build-up of plaque and bacteria around the implant site. Over time, this can result in an infection known as peri-implantitis, causing the implant to fail.

 

If your tooth loss has been attributed to inadequate oral hygiene, we will instruct you in dental care techniques and closely monitor your oral health before proceeding with dental implant treatment to prevent any potential failures.

 

Prevention: Maintaining excellent oral hygiene practices, including daily brushing, flossing and regular dental visits, is essential to prevent peri-implantitis.

 

2) Insufficient Bone Density

 

Successful implant placement relies on having a sufficient amount of healthy jawbone to anchor the implant securely. Without enough bone density, the implant may not integrate properly or support the crown.

 

Prevention: Bone grafting procedures can help regenerate lost bone, increasing the chances of a successful implant placement.

 

3) Smoking and Tobacco Use

 

Smoking and tobacco use are notorious for compromising oral health. Nicotine constricts blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the gums and bone tissue. This diminished blood supply can hinder the healing process after implant surgery and increase the risk of implant failure.

 

Prevention: Quitting smoking or tobacco use before undergoing implant surgery can significantly improve the chances of success. Please speak to our team for support and resources on quitting smoking.

 

4) Medical Conditions

 

Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes and autoimmune disorders, can affect the body’s ability to heal and increase the risk of infection. These conditions can, unfortunately, interfere with the implant’s osseointegration process, leading to failure.

 

Prevention: Prior to implant surgery, discuss your medical history with your dentist. Managing any underlying health conditions and maintaining optimal control can improve the likelihood of implant success.

 

5) Overloading

 

Placing excessive pressure on the implant shortly after surgery can disrupt the healing process and lead to implant failure. 

 

Prevention: Always follow your dentist’s instructions regarding diet and activity restrictions during recovery.

 

6) Inexperienced or Inadequate Surgical Techniques

 

The skill and experience of the dental professional performing the implant surgery play a critical role in its success. Inexperienced or inadequately trained practitioners may make mistakes during the placement procedure, leading to complications and implant failure.

 

Prevention: Choose a qualified and experienced oral surgeon or implantologist who can demonstrate a successful track record of implant procedures.

 

Understanding Turkey Teeth

 

The term “Turkey Teeth” has gained popularity recently, referring to the growing trend of people travelling to countries like Turkey for cost-effective cosmetic dental treatments, often lured by the promise of savings. While we would usually agree that saving money feels good, this is one situation where things can take a real turn for the worse if done incorrectly. Such missteps can result in a fair share of pain and, in some unfortunate cases, even irreversible damage. Therefore, compromising your oral health for savings should never be a consideration.

 

Although some people have reported successful treatments abroad, the risks associated with overseas dentistry can far outweigh any potential benefits, particularly when complications arise, and can lead to life-altering consequences. 

 

A large number of dental implants performed overseas end in failure and require corrective procedures upon returning home. This happens because Turkey Teeth treatments are often marketed as quick fixes, while dental implants require several months of healing to properly fuse with the jawbone. Without this crucial healing period, implant rejection becomes a significant risk.

 

It’s worth noting that the NHS will not cover the costs of rectifying dental treatments gone wrong abroad, leaving people with no choice but to spend additional funds to address the damage caused by their overseas procedures. Moreover, many dental professionals may be reluctant to treat Turkey Teeth cases due to the complexity often associated with these procedures.

 

If you have had dental treatment abroad and are unhappy with the results or living in pain, get in contact and we will see if we can help you.

 

Dental Implants at The Bristol Dental Practice 

 

Here’s the great news: there’s absolutely no need to journey overseas for dental treatment. Many private dental practices, like ours, offer 0% APR financing options that allow you to break down the cost into affordable monthly instalments. This approach makes achieving your dream smile more accessible and convenient than ever before while eliminating the risks associated with medical tourism.

 

You will receive the highest standard of care when choosing The Bristol Dental Practice for dental implant treatment.

 

Our Principal Dentist, Dr Johnathan Cochrane, has assembled a formidable team to deliver world-class dental implant treatments at TBDP. Just like a hospital, our team comprises top dental professionals who collaborate together to ensure you achieve beautiful results. Complex cases are overseen by a group of 5 or 6 dentists.

 

We’ve currently placed over 5,000 implants with successful outcomes, and no case is too complex for our team.

 

Conclusion 

 

Dental implants have undoubtedly transformed the lives of many of our patients by restoring their smiles and oral function. However, it’s essential to recognise the potential reasons for dental implant failure and take steps to prevent them.

 

By maintaining excellent oral hygiene, choosing skilled professionals, and making lifestyle changes where necessary, you can significantly increase the chances of a successful and long-lasting dental implant.

 

Always consult with your dentist to assess your individual suitability for dental implant treatment and receive personalised guidance. Remember, knowledge and proactive care are the keys to ensuring your dental implants stand the test of time.

 

To discover more about dental implants in Bristol at The Bristol Dental Practice, please call our reception team at 0117 405 4362 or visit our dental implant page.

 

Would you like to choose us for treatment? Great news! Take the next step: book a dental implant consultation online.