A Comprehensive Guide: Why Dental Implants Fail

To achieve the desired permanent solution for missing teeth through implants, removing dental implants is necessary in certain instances to provide better stability and functionality.
This blog explores why dental implants in Cedar Park can fail and may eventually need removal.
We’ll discuss what to expect after removal, how the removal process works, and the potential complications.

Reasons Why Dental Implants Might Fail and Need to be Removed or Replaced

Let’s explore these common reasons for the removal of dental implants-

1. Poor Osseointegration-

Implants may fail to integrate with the jawbone properly, resulting in instability and the necessity for removal. We will discuss many reasons for failure that ultimately cause instability due to the implants’ inability to remain integrated with the bone.

• Signs of implant failure include mobility, pain, or discomfort around the implant site.
• Revision surgery may be necessary to address the underlying issues and can often salvage the implant.

2. Infection-

Severe infections, known as peri-implantitis, can compromise the implant’s and surrounding tissues’ stability, leading to removal.

• It is often caused by poor oral hygiene or pre-existing gum disease.
• Symptoms include swelling, pain, and mobility of the implant.

Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent implant failure and the need for removal.

3. Bone Loss-

Natural bone loss around the implant site can occur over time. This will affect the implant’s support structure and may require removal.

• It compromises the implant’s stability and may lead to complications such as implant loosening or exposure.
• Bone grafting procedures may be necessary to restore bone volume and support for the implant.

4. Implant Fracture-

Physical trauma, excessive force during biting or grinding, or manufacturing defects can lead to fractures in the implant, necessitating removal.

• Symptoms include pain, mobility, or visible damage to the implant structure.
• Treatment may involve implant removal and replacement with a new implant or alternative restoration.

5. Nerve or Tissue Damage-

If the implant placement damages nerves or surrounding tissues, it may lead to persistent discomfort or complications, prompting removal.

• Symptoms include numbness, tingling, or altered sensation in the surrounding area.
• Prompt evaluation and management by a qualified dental professional are essential to prevent long-term complications.

6. Allergic Reactions-

Rare allergies to implant materials may occur, leading to inflammation or other complications that require removal.

• Symptoms may include swelling, redness, or itching around the implant site.
• Allergy testing and alternative implant materials may be necessary to address the issue and prevent further complications.

7. Implant Overload-

Placing too much pressure on an implant, perhaps due to a lack of adjacent teeth for support, can cause failure and may necessitate removal.

• It can result from bruxism (teeth grinding), improper bite alignment, or inadequate restoration design.
• Treatment may involve bite adjustment, occlusal splint therapy, or implant removal, followed by replacement with a more suitable restoration.

8. Perforation of Adjacent Structures-

Improper placement can result in the implant perforating nearby structures, such as sinus cavities, requiring removal.

• It can occur due to inadequate pre-operative assessment, inaccurate surgical technique, or anatomical variations.
• Management may involve immediate removal of the implant followed by appropriate treatment for the affected structure.

Implants Can Last a Lifetime, and Crowns Could Fail

For natural-looking results, dental implants with crowns have become a popular solution for replacing missing teeth. They are usually quite durable, but dental crowns can sometimes fail despite their success rates, even when an implant does not.

This is usually a less serious issue than a failing implant that requires removal but can lead to complications that require intervention from dentists and oral surgeons. When a dentist diagnoses a patient and prescribes implants as a solution for their patients, they will usually be responsible for fabricating and placing the crown onto the implant.

However, the actual implant itself is placed by an oral surgeon. Though implant failure stems from various factors addressed above, focusing on crown failure provides valuable insights into how to take preventive measures.

1. Poor Fit and Marginal Adaptation

One primary reason for crown failure is a poor fit or marginal adaptation. When the crown is placed but does not fit snugly onto the implant abutment, it eventually creates gaps where bacteria can accumulate.

These spaces can lead to inflammation and eventual failure. Dentists must ensure precise measurements and proper placement to achieve optimal fit and prevent future complications.

2. Material Quality and Compatibility

The quality of materials used in crown fabrication significantly impacts its longevity and performance. Low-quality materials or incompatible components can lead to premature wear, fracture, or discoloration, compromising the restoration’s aesthetic appeal and functional integrity.

Dentists should prioritize using high-quality, biocompatible materials that withstand daily wear and tear while maintaining natural aesthetics.

3. Structural Integrity and Durability

Crowns are subjected to significant biting forces and pressure during chewing and speaking. Trauma, bruxism (teeth grinding), or improper occlusion can cause structural damage, including cracks, chips, or fractures.

Regular dental examinations allow dentists to identify signs of structural compromise early on and take corrective measures to prevent further damage or crown failure.

4. Infection and Peri-implantitis

Infection around the implant site, known as peri-implantitis, poses a significant risk to the crown, the implant, and, most importantly, the surrounding bone and tissue. Poor oral hygiene, inadequate plaque control, and compromised immune function can contribute to bacterial growth and inflammation, leading to crown failure.

Proper oral hygiene practices are crucial for crown and implant maintenance. Still, regular visits to the dentist for professional cleanings and maintenance are necessary to prevent and manage peri-implantitis effectively.

5. Gum Recession and Soft Tissue Complications

Receding gums around the implant and crown can expose the underlying tooth structure and implant abutment, compromising the restoration’s stability and aesthetic appearance. Soft tissue complications, such as gingival inflammation or recession, can also affect the implant’s overall health and longevity.

Dentists may perform soft tissue grafting procedures or adjustments to the crown margins to address gum recession and maintain optimal soft tissue health.

6. Occlusal Issues

Imbalanced biting forces or improper occlusion often exert excessive pressure on the placed crown and implant, leading to mechanical stress and, eventually, implant and crown failure. Dentists must ensure proper occlusal adjustment to distribute forces evenly and prevent overloading of the implant-restoration complex.

7. Cement Retention Problems

Cement-retained crowns rely on adequate cementation to secure the restoration to the implant abutment. However, excess cement and improper removal application techniques can trap residual cement beneath the gum line, leading to inflammation, tissue irritation, and peri-implantitis.

Dentists must adhere to cementation protocols and thoroughly remove excess cement to minimize the risk of complications or failure.

8. Crown’s Biomechanical Factors

The crown’s design and fabrication are vital to its biomechanical stability and longevity. Crown height, emergence profile, and material properties influence the restoration’s stress distribution and resilience. Dentists should consider biomechanical principles when planning and executing crown restorations to enhance their durability and performance over time.

This is why dentists are equipped to address crown failure effectively. Depending on the severity of the problem, treatment options include:

• Crown replacement.
• Adjustments to the existing restoration.
• Management of any underlying issues contributing to the failure.

Conclusion

Understanding the common reasons for removal, how the removal process works, what to expect after the removal process, and the potential risks and complications empowers you to make informed decisions about your oral health. For effective dental implants, consult the best dentist in Cedar Park, an oral surgeon who provides personalized guidance based on your circumstances.