3 Causes for Implant Failure and What You can do About Them

First introduced in the 1980s, dental implants are a popular and reliable tooth replacement option. Numerous studies show that after ten years 95% are still in place. Much of this success owes to the implant’s titanium post imbedded directly into the jaw, which then attracts bone growth. This additional growth securely anchors the implant in place for an unrivaled durability among other replacement options.
Still, a small percentage of implants fail — some in the first few months and others after a few years. Here are 3 reasons why, and how you can overcome them.
Poor bone quantity and quality. Implants need a certain amount of existing bone to succeed. Sometimes, though, there isn’t enough because prolonged absence of a tooth causes bone loss around the empty socket. Conditions like diabetes, osteoporosis or tobacco use can also compromise bone health. It’s often possible to increase bone volume with grafting, especially right after tooth extraction.
Teeth grinding habits. This occurs when you unconsciously grind or clench your teeth, usually during sleep. The habit can create forces far in excess of what’s normal when we bite or chew and can damage or even break the crown attached to an implant. Besides reducing stress (a major factor for teeth grinding), you can also alleviate the abnormal force generated by wearing a night guard.
Periodontal (gum) disease. Although your implants are impervious to disease or infection, supporting gums and bone aren’t. Plaque, a film of food and bacteria that builds up on tooth surfaces, can cause gum disease that weakens the supporting tissues (gums and bone) of the implant. This can give rise to a specific condition with implants known as peri-implantitis where the infected gum tissues and bone around it deteriorate, leading to the implant’s catastrophic loss. To avoid this, practice consistent daily hygiene, including around the implant. And see us regularly for checkups and cleanings, or as soon as possible if you see signs of gum problems.
If you would like more information on dental implants, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Dental Implants: A Tooth-Replacement Method that Rarely Fails.”
Comments:
Find Us
122 Kenoza Avenue
Haverhill, MA 01830
978-374-7942
Request Appointment
Our office has flexible hours to fit your busy schedule
Patient Eductation

Archive:
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
- 2014
Tags
- celebrity smiles (63)
- teeth whitening (3)
- cosmetic dentistry (11)
- tooth wear (2)
- mouthguards (4)
- dental injuries (1)
- fillings (2)
- oral health (22)
- crown (1)
- dental injury (6)
- root canal (4)
- dental implants (20)
- laser dentistry (1)
- dental hygiene (2)
- orthodontics (3)
- diabetes (4)
- periodontal (gum) disease (2)
- gum disease (6)
- tooth colored fillings (1)
- tooth grinding (1)
- crowns (5)
- orthodontic treatment (4)
- braces (5)
- oral hygiene (22)
- periodontal disease (1)
- diabetic (1)
- snoring (1)
- sleep apnea (1)
- pregnancy (1)
- dental anxiety (1)
- wisdom teeth (4)
- flossing (1)
- bonding (2)
- burning mouth syndrome (1)
- bad breath (1)
- chipped teeth (1)
- dental care (2)
- oral sedation (1)
- tooth pain (3)
- pediatric dentistry (5)
- tooth decay (7)
- tmj disorders (3)
- dentures (5)
- abscessed tooth (1)
- anesthesia (1)
- artificial sweeteners (1)
- dry mouth (1)
- athletic mouthguards (2)
- pediatric care (1)
- teeth grinding (3)
- dental emergency (1)
- gummy smile (1)
- loose dentures (1)
- veneers (1)
- porcelain veneers (1)
- retainers (1)
- chipped tooth (3)
- thumb sucking (2)
- halloween (1)
- mouthguard (1)
- smile makeover (4)
- hiv (1)
- nutrition (5)
- oral cancer (2)
- bone grafting (1)
- mouth sores (1)
- toothache (2)
- partial denture (1)
- shingles (1)
- GERD (1)
- air abrasion (1)
- oral appliance (1)
- osteoporosis (1)
- cancer (1)
- bacteria (1)
- extraction (1)
- removable partial denture (1)
- jaw pain (1)
- x-rays (1)
- cold sore (1)
- tooth replacement (1)
- dental implant (1)