A dental implant is a metal nail that is surgically inserted into the jawbone to support artificial teeth that are added to the mouth as a result of tooth loss. A dentist or operating doctor inserts a prosthetic tooth onto the implant when the implant is inserted. Dental implants have a high success rate, but in some patients, the operation may end in failure.
About 5 to 10 percent of dental implant treatments fail; problems that may occur as a result of failure can be seen immediately after the procedure, months later, or years later. It can happen in patients without oral hygiene, usually when checks are not performed. The riskiest period of losing the implant can be seen 3-6 months. It appears to be 1% in the community. A new implant is made with repeated treatment in the same way as the lost implant.
The patient’s role in dental implant success is very important. The same is true for implants, as the health of their natural teeth and gums will deteriorate in a patient who does not do oral care well. The patient who has undergone implant treatment, which is the most modern practice of dentistry, should take care of oral care to ensure the longevity of his implants.
In order for the implant to be successful, the reaction they will show when the load is placed on it is important. That is, the success of an implant becomes obvious after the prosthesis is made and the patient begins to chew. In general, the time required to wait for the implant to be considered successful is the first year after the prosthesis is made.
Causes of dental implant failure
Having healthy gums is an important criterion for a dental implant, and a dental implant cannot be applied to those with periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is a type of infection that leads to damage to the gums and jawbone. An untreated infection can cover the implant, causing it to fail. Before having an implant, be sure to see a dentist to check for periodontal disease. Another factor that causes implant failure is smoking.
Smoking can cause the implant to fail because it blocks blood flow to the gums, thereby slowing down the healing process. According to research, up to 20 percent of smokers experience dental implant failure. Being a smoker does not mean that you are not suitable for the dental implant process. Nevertheless, stopping smoking a week before the procedure and not smoking for at least two months after the procedure will ensure a much better result.
A successful implant application requires that there is enough jaw bone to support the implant. If the jawbone is insufficient, the dentist cannot insert the implant into the jaw as needed. The main cause of bone loss is osteoporosis disease. This disease occurs due to the fact that bone density decreases over time. Bones become brittle, and the risk of developing cracks in the bones gradually increases.
Severe gum disease can also lead to disruption of the bones in the mouth. Dental implant failure can occur if a person has diseases that slow down the body’s recovery, such as autoimmune disease or diabetes. Slow healing can prevent osteointegration, a fusion of the implant with the jawbone.
The use of certain medications can also lead to unsuccessful results in a dental implant. For this reason, it is important that you inform your dentist exactly about the medications you are taking. Paying close attention to oral care after a dental implant procedure has a significant impact on the success rate of the procedure. The presence of restrictions that affect your range of motion or the ability to clean your teeth indicates that you are not a suitable candidate for a dental implant.
Can a failed dental implant be replaced?
After failed implant application, a re-implant can be applied to the tooth. If necessary, bone tissue can be added by closing the area again and the tooth is left to heal. After failed implant application, a re-implant can be applied to the tooth. In such unfavorable cases, the implant site is anesthetized again and the implant is removed from its place. After that, the inflammatory tissues are cleaned. If necessary, bone tissue can be added by closing the area again and the tooth is left to heal. As a rule, as a result of implant failure, if the bone is sufficient, at the end of a certain healing process, or by applying different methods of bone augmentation, it is possible to re-implant in the same area. For this reason, it should be shared with patients about the possible failure and what to do in this case when planning implant treatments.
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Dentist Yasin Yılmaz was born in 1994 in Kayseri. In 2017, he graduated from Hacettepe University Faculty of Dentistry with a successful degree. In 2017, he began working as a dentist and medical director at a private clinic. In September 2018, he joined Ersoy Hospital Dental Department team where he still works
