Common Reasons Dental Implants May Fail

Dental implants are designed to last for many years, decades, or even a lifetime in some cases, but that doesn't mean they are indestructible. For most people, maintaining dental implants is as simple as following their usual dental and oral hygiene routines — with a few added considerations, like wearing protective appliances when necessary. But there are some factors that may contribute to the failure of dental implants. These may include daily habits like smoking or tobacco use, poor oral hygiene, or even damage caused by trauma or an accident. 

Regardless of the cause of dental implant failure, our dedicated team at Juneé Gardy, DDS — led by Naples, FL dental implant specialist Dr. Juneé F. Gardy — is here to help with advanced dental implant restoration solutions. Below, you'll find additional information on some of the most common reasons a dental implant could fail, as well as important tips on maintaining strong, healthy dental implants for as long as possible. 

 

Are dental implants permanent?  

Dental implants — which refer to the metal post inserted into the jawbone, onto which a restoration like a crown can be attached — are generally considered long-term devices. Depending on the patient's age and life expectancy, the dental implant may never need replacement, though the attached restoration may need repair or replacement after about 10 – 15 years. Although dental implants theoretically could remain implanted into the patient's jaw for the remainder of their life, there are some scenarios when the implant could become damaged, compromised, or need removal or replacement. 

 

What would cause a dental implant to fail?  

Dental implant failure — whether referring to the failure of the implant to fuse with the bone after surgery or damage to a dental implant at a later time — can be caused by a number of factors. Some of the most common things that can damage dental implants or prohibit full integration of a dental implant include:  

• Patient does not have enough healthy bone material or tissue at the time of implant placement 
• Patient's oral health is compromised at the time of implant placement 
• Poor dental or oral hygiene 
• Decay beneath or around the dental implant 
• Gum disease 
• Complications of smoking or tobacco use 
• Incident or injury 
• Trauma to the mouth/jaw 
• Natural changes associated with aging, like bone loss or atrophy 

Even daily wear-and-tear may impact certain patients' implants more than others — particularly when combined with some of the lifestyle and hygiene habits listed above — and ultimately cause the implant to become damaged. 

 

How can I avoid replacing dental implants?  

While some reasons for dental implant restoration are unavoidable, there are still several things you can do to set yourself up for success with dental implants for as long as possible, including:  

• Maintaining a healthy dental and oral hygiene routine 
• Visiting our office for your regularly scheduled teeth cleanings and exams 
• Eating a healthy, balanced diet 
• Refraining from tobacco and nicotine use 
• Wearing protective mouth guards and/or night guards  

 

What happens if a dental implant fails?  

Depending on the cause of dental implant failure, the type of damage sustained, the patient's overall health, and other individual case factors, Dr. Gardy can recommend the appropriate course of action for removing, repairing, or replacing a dental implant. With advanced capabilities in dental implant restoration, Dr. Gardy can address your specific needs and help restore comfort, health, function, and confidence in the most appropriate and effective way possible to give you the smile you deserve. 

 

A stronger smile can be yours once again with dental implant restoration in Naples, FL  

If you are experiencing signs that your dental implant is loose, damaged, or failing, don't wait to call our office to learn more about dental implant restoration. The earlier a dental implant complication is addressed, the more convenient and successful intervention often is. Take the first step toward strengthening your smile and restoring your oral health by calling us at Juneé Gardy, DDS, to schedule your Naples, FL dental implant restoration consultation with Dr. Juneé F. Gardy today.