What are the Symptoms of a Failed Implant?
Dental implants are one of the modern dentistry applications that offer a permanent and aesthetic solution to replace missing teeth. However, as with its treatment method, failures can occur in dental implants, albeit rarely. A failed implant can be limited only to aesthetic concerns and can negatively affect health and quality of life. For this reason, it is of great importance to recognise the signs of a failed implant at an early stage and take the necessary precautions.
Why can dental implants fail?
Although dental implants generally have high success rates, they can result in some shortcomings.
Implant failure can be visited from various sources, depending on both patient outcomes and the procedure. This can occur either early in the procedure or late in the procedure. Here, the main factors that can cause dental implants to fail are described:
- Peri-implantitis: Developments in the fracture tissues of the implant can lead to damage to both the implant and the root.
- Surgical Technique Errors: Incorrect exposure or inappropriate replacement of the implant can lead to failure.
- Wrong Prosthetic Design: If the design of the prosthesis placed on the implant is incorrect, excessive force can lead to failure.
- Insufficient Bone Support: Insufficient bone in the area where the implant is to be placed makes it difficult to fix the implant.
How to recognise a failed implant?
A failed implant usually manifests itself with symptoms in the mouth. A constant feeling of pain, swelling, redness or inflammation around the implant are the most common signs of failure. In addition, loosening or movement of the implant may indicate that it is not fully adapted to the bone. Patients may sometimes notice bad breath or a metallic taste at the implant site, which may be a sign of infection. In more advanced cases, bone loss around the implant or recession of the gums may occur. Radiological examinations play a critical role in confirming whether the implant is correctly integrated into the bone. When these symptoms are noticed, it is important to consult your dentist and assess the situation.
What are the possible damages of failed implants to human health?
Failed dental implants can lead to various negative effects on human health. Firstly, infections around the implant can cause conditions such as peri-implantitis, which can lead to the resorption of the bone around the implant. This process can lead to weakening of the jawbone and deterioration of the overall oral structure. In addition, if the implant loosens or falls out completely, open sores can form in the mouth, which increases the risk of infection. Failed implants can cause constant pain, swelling and chronic discomfort in the mouth. However, the impaired oral hygiene caused by a failed implant can also lead to bad breath and systemic infections that can damage overall health.
What should be considered during the treatment process to prevent failure?
The success of dental implants depends on careful planning during the treatment process, correct application and patient compliance afterwards. In order to prevent failure, both the physician and the patient should pay attention to some important points. This process requires compliance with certain rules not only during the operation but also before and after. Here are the items to be considered for a successful implant treatment:
- Sufficient Bone Amount: Sufficient bone support must be provided for the implant to be successful. Bone grafting procedures can be performed if necessary.
- Correct Application of Surgical Techniques: The placement angle and depth of the implant should be adjusted correctly.
- Patient’s Attention to Oral Hygiene: The patient should pay attention to oral hygiene after the implant. Regular tooth brushing and flossing should become a habit.
- Keeping Regular Check-ups: After the operation, the dentist should be checked regularly.
What are the symptoms of the implant not adapting to the bone?
Failure of osseointegration, i.e. the failure of the implant to conform to the bone, is usually manifested by certain symptoms that can be recognised at an early stage. This means that the implant cannot fuse with the bone in a stable manner and can be manifested by the following symptoms Persistent or increasing pain around the implant, swelling and redness in the area, movement or loosening of the implant, discomfort when chewing, or problems with the implant not functioning.
How does the material used in implant selection affect the risk of failure?
The material used in implant selection is an important factor that directly affects the risk of failure. Biocompatible materials such as titanium and zirconium are generally preferred because these materials are well tolerated by the body and have the ability to integrate strongly into the bone (osseointegration). However, when low-quality or unsuitable alloys are used, there may be an increased risk of the implant not adapting to the bone or inflammation in the surrounding tissues. In addition, the quality of the material determines the durability and longevity of the implant. Therefore, it is vital to choose quality materials that comply with international standards in implant selection in order to minimise the risk of failure.
Frequently Asked Questions About Symptoms of Failed Implants
Whether a failed implant can be replaced depends on the severity of the condition and the overall oral health of the patient. Failure is usually due to loss of bone tissue around the implant, infection or mechanical problems.
Bad breath or a change in taste can be an indirect symptom of dental implant failure. Usually this occurs when infection or inflammation develops around the implant.
Smoking significantly increases the risk of failure of dental implants because smoking negatively affects the blood flow in the mouth, making the healing process more difficult.
Inadequate oral hygiene can significantly increase the failure rates of dental implants. The gum and bone around the implant should be protected from bacterial accumulation by proper cleaning.
Swelling or redness around the implant can usually be accepted as part of the healing process, but if these symptoms persist for a long time or become severe, it may be a sign of implant failure.
