Can a Dental Implant Fail? 4 Possible Causes (And How To Prevent Them)

Dental implants are designed to mimic the structural design of your natural teeth. They consist of a titanium post that integrates with the jawbone to form a solid foundation to support your prosthetic tooth. Unfortunately, the implantation process may fail for several reasons:

1. Implant infection (peri-implantitis)
   Peri-implantitis is the leading cause of implant failure. Peri-implantitis can damage the gum and bone tissue surrounding a dental implant. It often starts silently, caused by plaque buildup and bacteria around the implant. Over time, this infection can lead to inflammation, gum recession, and bone loss, weakening the support that keeps the implant stable. The common causes of implant infection include poor oral hygiene and tobacco use. Our team will provide aftercare tips to help minimize the risk of peri-implantitis.
   
   
2. Failed osseointegration
   Osseointegration is the process by which a newly inserted implant fuses with the jawbone. This process typically takes several weeks to a few months. Occasionally, this bond may fail to form properly. This can leave the implant loose or cause it to fall out.
   
   The main causes of failed osseointegration include insufficient bone and uncontrolled medical conditions. Your St. George implant dentist will assess your bone and overall health to determine your eligibility for implant treatment. If there is insufficient bone, we’ll recommend a bone graft to provide a solid foundation for an implant.
   
   
3. Implant rejection
   True implant rejection is rare, but the body can sometimes respond poorly to a foreign object. This may show up as persistent inflammation, discomfort, or failure of the implant to integrate with the bone. We use tissue-friendly (biocompatible) materials to minimize the risk of rejection. We’ll also check for allergies to optimize your implant outcomes.
   
   
4. Misalignment of the implant
   Precise placement is critical for implant success. If an implant is positioned at the wrong angle or depth, it can place excessive stress on the surrounding bone or neighboring teeth. Implant misalignment affects your bite, causes discomfort, and can lead to gum recession. Correcting a misaligned implant can be tricky. It involves removing the implant, which can damage the implant and the surrounding gum tissue. That’s why it’s essential to get it right the first time by consulting an experienced dentist.
   
   Before you go: We don’t claim to be perfect, but consistently doing things the right way over time leads to exceptional results. Our implant dentist relies on advanced imaging and refined surgical skills to place dental implants with precision and care. This thoughtful, methodical approach helps deliver the best possible outcomes for our patients.

Don’t let missing teeth hold you back. Reclaim your healthy, confident smile with high-quality dental implants at Common Sense Family Dentistry. To get started, dial (435) 319-8992 or schedule your appointment online. Give your smile the second chance it deserves with top-tier dental implants.