In the case of missing teeth, there is no better solution than dental implants. Dental implants can provide you with a beautiful, natural smile while improving the quality of your life, whether you need a single implant or multiple tooth implants. When performed correctly, the treatment can also have a very excellent track record of success. Some variables, however, can lead to the failure of a dental implant. And, while it is uncommon, when it does occur, it can cause extreme discomfort and potentially lead to more issues.
What Are Dental Implants?
A titanium metal screw that substitutes a tooth root is known as an implant. The implant serves as a foundation for false teeth such as dental bridges, crowns, and dentures. Dental implants are typically made of titanium and are shaped and sized similarly to natural tooth roots.
Titanium is the preferred material for dental implants because of its strength, longevity, and ability to bond to bone over time. The process of bone fusing to the surface of an implant is known as osseointegration. During the healing process, the bone cells adhere to the implant.
Can Dental Implants Fail?
The success percentage of dental implants varies depending on where they are placed in the jaw, but dental implants have a success rate of up to ninety-eight percent on average. With good care, the lifespan of dental implants can be significantly increased (it could be for the rest of one’s life).
Furthermore, studies have shown that lower jaw implants have a five-year success rate of approximately 95 percent, while upper jaw implants have a five-year success rate of approximately 90 percent. In part due to the fact that the upper jaw is a little less dense than that of the lower jaw, the success rate for upper jaw implants is marginally lower than the success rate for lower jaw implants. This increases the complexity of implantation for the oral surgeon and may result in osseointegration difficulties in some cases.
What Causes Dental Implant Failure?
When the Implant Is Misaligned
One of the most challenging elements of implant dentistry is ensuring that the implant is entirely encased by bone. The optimal position in the bone may not always be the ideal position for an implant. Consequently, the implant and bone may become misaligned. If the implant is not aligned with the bone, the crowns may look unnatural, the gums may recede, and the dark grey metal of the implant may be visible around the gum line.
Rectifying implants that have been placed incorrectly might be difficult. The removal procedure can cause bone and tooth damage. This is why getting it correctly the first time is critical. Choosing a dentist with the skills and experience to offer the best results is also essential.
Poorly Taken Impression
An impression is taken by the dentist and sent to a lab for crown making. The replacement teeth may not fit correctly if the impressions are inaccurate. It is possible for a slight mismatch to cause a gap between the crown and the gums, compromising the health and appearance of the teeth. This allows bacteria into the gums, causing infection. Infections can be treated, but implants may need to be replaced.
If the cement that holds the new dental crown to the implant post spills onto the gums, it can also cause an infection. That’s why an implant dentist’s ability is vital. Their work must be accurate under high magnification, reducing the risk of gaps or errors.
Peri-Implantitis and Other Infections
A significant cause of dental implant failure is peri-implantitis. It’s unclear whether it’s an illness or a complication caused by a foreign body in the oral cavity. Bacteria in the mouth can cause inflammation shortly after surgery.
Peri-implantitis can damage the gums and bone surrounding the implant, leading to bone loss or implant failure. While the problem is treatable, the implant usually needs to be replaced. Diabetes, smoking, and poor dental hygiene are risk factors for bacterial infection or peri-implantitis.
Failed Osseointegration
An osseointegrated titanium implant forms a structural relationship with bone. This generally takes several months.
Implants may not fully integrate with the jawbone. This can loosen or even remove the implant. Insufficient bone to place the implant is the leading cause.
Implant dentistry depends on bone density and bone health. Before the operation, your implant dentist will assess your bone’s health and consider a bone graft or a sinus lift operation for insufficient bone mass.
Nerve Damage
Nerve injury occurs when an implant is placed too close to the mouth’s nerves. This is more likely with novice dental implant dentists or dentists who do not use treatment planning. A treatment plan aids the dentist in determining the best placement of the implant in relation to the essential structures and nerves in the mouth.
Nerve injury usually causes numbness, discomfort, or tingling around the gums, lips, cheeks, or tongue.
Failure of The Implant Itself
The metal implant post can come free despite being composed of robust metal. The movement of a loose implant post can fracture the implant.
Although implant technology has advanced, this still occurs. Particularly with low-cost suppliers and overseas laboratories that may use poorer materials, causing size and fit issues that jeopardize implant stability.
Assuring your implant dentist uses materials that fulfil Australian consumer safety requirements can ensure quality care and decrease implant failure.
Allergic Reaction and Foreign Body Rejection
According to the Australian Dental Association, adverse effects are possible when ingesting foreign substances. Dental implants and other implant materials may produce a local response. The dentist should check for allergies before using the appropriate materials for your treatment.
How to Avoid Dental Implant Failure
Good Oral Hygiene Habits
Practice proper oral hygiene habits to reduce the risk of infection after dental implant therapy. Brushing and flossing eliminate microorganisms from the teeth and gums and reduce plaque buildup.
While you can’t brush directly over the wound until the gums recover, we urge our patients to brush and floss nearby teeth. Rinse the wound site with warm seawater to avoid harming the stitches.
Don't Smoke
Quitting smoking also reduces gum inflammation and peri-implantitis. Tobacco usage has been linked to an increased risk of periodontal disease. To prolong the life of your dental implants, stop smoking or using tobacco products for as long as feasible.
Temporary Diet Change
Temporarily changing diet is advised after dental implant therapy. Hard or chewy foods can cause pain, impede healing, and damage incisions, all of which can cause dental implant failure.
Following the dental implant procedure, each patient is given specific dietary advice. In general, patients should drink liquids for the first 24 hours, then soft foods for the first week.
Follow your dentist's post-op advice.
Oral surgery implants teeth. All surgeries carry an infection risk. Infection induces tissue inflammation, preventing implant integration.
To limit infection risk, we may be given an oral antibiotic or an antibacterial rinse. Patients must use suggested medications and rinses precisely as directed to avoid infection and dental implant failure.
Benefits of Dental Implants
- Better appearance. Natural-looking dental implants enhance the beauty of your smile.
- Improved speech. The implants do not move during speech.
- Comfortable. It is more comfortable to wear dentures with implants.
- Eating is more enjoyable. Your favourite foods can be eaten with confidence and without pain when you have dental implants.
- You will feel more confident. Dental implants can restore a beautiful smile.
- Better dental health. No need to grind down nearby teeth to place dental implants. Your oral health will continue to improve over time since your neighbouring teeth will not be altered to support the false teeth.
- Durability. If given proper care, dental implants last a lifetime.
- They are convenient. The use of dental implants reduces the need for denture adhesives and the difficulty of removing dentures.
How long Dental Implants take to Heal
For dental implants to properly recover and allow you to resume your everyday activities without assistance, it takes approximately six to eight months on average. It may, however, take longer depending on the extent of the procedures performed during your dental implant surgery, such as bone grafting.
What Is the Procedure for Getting Dental Implants
The experienced surgeon would visually analyse the condition of the site in the mouth where a dental implant is being evaluated, as well as dental imaging investigations, primarily during the initial consultation and planning phase. It would be practical to inform your dentist about all your existing medical conditions and medication history.
At this step, the amount and quality of the jawbone are assessed to determine whether or not the bone density at the spot is adequate. Once it has been decided that a dental implant can be installed in the appropriate position, the patient must return for dental implant surgical procedures. During any surgical procedure session, the patient is usually given a local anesthetic to numb the surgical area ananaestheticr sedatives that may be required for comfort and anxiety alleviation throughout the process.
Oral surgery often begins with the extraction of a tooth or a group of teeth. The tooth to be replaced must be extracted to prepare for a dental implant. An “alveolar bone graft” is usually used to create a stable implant base. The site will be allowed to recover for two to six months. The absence of teeth and bone loss necessitates a new form of bone transplant that sits on top of the existing jawbone. This procedure is more comprehensive and requires a six-to twelve-month recovery period. If there is enough bone, it may be possible to extract the injured tooth and then place the implant in one visit. This is called an “instant implant” implantation process.
The maxillary sinus might restrict the amount of available bone when implants are placed in the upper jaw, especially in the back or posterior location. An experienced surgeon will consider a treatment to raise the sinus floor and insert dental bone transplants into the sinuses to increase bone availability at the implant site.
The implant can be placed once a sufficient amount of bone has been established. Titanium posts are surgically placed into the jawbone during the implant insertion procedure. The healing cap covers the implant, and the gum is sewn back together. It’s time to heal!
A temporary denture is made to replace missing teeth during the healing process. The quality of the bone determines how long it takes to recover. Healing usually takes two to six months. During this observation period, the implant fuses with the bone. Avoid putting any force or stress on the dental implant during the healing period. Follow-up visits are common to check for infections and verify that recovery is going well.
It is then assessed to check if the surrounding bone formation and bone substitute have properly assimilated the dental implant through successful osseointegration. That’s when a screw is utilised to join a prosthetic component to the dental implant and finish it. This component is called an “abutment.” It will secure the new replacement tooth, called a “crown.” The dentist will make an impression of the abutment connection in the mouth to make the implant crown match. The implant crown is cemented or bolted into place.
Are Dental Implants Safe
Dental implants are a very safe procedure that dentists have been performing for over 30 years with excellent clinical results. Furthermore, new technological breakthroughs in modern dentistry have improved implant implantation. The implant process is safe, but it requires a surgical operation to finish. Every surgery, like any clinical treatment, has risks. Although there is a risk of infection or rejection, the number of people who develop problems after implant surgery is limited.
They are also excellent for seniors. There is no upper patient age limit for implant candidates. Anyone in need of tooth replacement, regardless of patient age, may be eligible for dental implants if they are in good health and a dentist approves the procedure.
Who is a good candidate for Dental Implants
If you have one or more missing teeth, you may be a candidate for dental implants.
In addition to having difficulty eating, you may feel embarrassed in public if you lose your teeth. Implants are artificial teeth that look and feel like your own natural teeth.
If you have a cracked or damaged tooth that cannot be saved.
Cracked or fractured teeth can be repaired with a dental crown. In some cases, the tooth may need to be removed if it is too damaged to be fixed. If this happens, a natural-looking implant can be used to rebuild your smile.
Dentures or partials that no longer fit.
Partials and loose-fitting dentures require daily cleaning and adhesive maintenance. Implants prevent your dentures from coming loose when you speak or eat.
If you experience abnormal bone loss around the jaw.
In the absence of roots stimulating growth, the jaw bone structure can deteriorate. Implants replace the roots of missing teeth. As a result of osseointegration, titanium and zirconium bond to the bone, preventing bone loss in the jaw and reducing mouth recession.
You may be a good candidate for dental implants if you meet these criteria.
- You are in good oral and general health.
- You have enough jawbone mass to support an implant.
- Your gums are healthy, and you do not suffer from periodontitis.
How to Take Care of Dental Implants
Implant recipients must be encouraged to care for their implants if they want to ensure their own success. Here’s how to give the best home care.
Single implants
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristle brush.
- Use gentle toothpaste.
- Brush around the implant crown.
- Clean hard-to-reach areas with a nylon coated interdental brush.
- Do not use wax tape or use implant-specific floss.
- Using an oral irrigator
Overdentures
- Dentures should be removed every day and soaked in the recommended cleaning solution.
- Inspect o-rings, locator caps, and clips for wear or damage.
- Brush the underside of the denture gently.
- Rinse the overdenture completely with water before using it.
- Replace O-rings and locator caps once a year with your dentist’s help.
Despite their unusual cleaning requirements, implants are a highly effective medical treatment. Preventing peri-implant illness is critical to implant health. Care for your implant is critical to its success.
Is There an Alternative to Dental Implants
Depending on your situation, your dentist will decide which option is best for your teeth and mouth. It’s vital to inform the dentist about your medical history. Other options for dental implants include:
Dentures are synthetic teeth that replace missing natural teeth. Others replace all of your teeth, gums, and surrounding tissues.
Partial Denture.
Partial dentures may be required if you have a few healthy teeth left but many are missing. Partial dentures are glued to a plastic frame that matches your gums’ colour, blending in with your natural teeth.
Unlike full or partial dentures, fixed bridges are non-removable. Your dentist will bind the bridge in place using the teeth adjacent to it as support, and only your dentist will be able to remove it.
Cost of Dental Implants
The cost of a dental implant insertion ranges from $2,500 to $5,000. Additional fees will be assessed for the consultation appointment, any other dental operations performed prior to the actual implant process, and the fabrication of implant-retained teeth.
Patients undergoing implant treatment may be awake (under local anaesthesia) or unconscious (under general anaesthesia – day surgery). It is essential to speak with a member of our knowledgeable staff to better understand the cost and actual dental implant procedure.
Final Thoughts
Implants are a fantastic procedure for replacing lost teeth because they do not compromise the quality or functionality of the replaced teeth in any way. Patients who have lost numerous teeth as a consequence of decay, an accident, disease, trauma, or infection, among other reasons, can benefit from dental implants at Ashburton Dental Centre.
In order to establish whether this implant treatment option is acceptable for you, our highly educated team of professionals will evaluate your case and make recommendations based on a range of factors, including your health state and oral health goals, among other things.
We will walk you through every step during the surgery, from determining whether or not an implant is appropriate for your case, to following aftercare dental consultations when implants require maintenance work to be done over time.
Never hesitate to get in touch with us right away to arrange an appointment with one of our dentists at Ashburton Dental Centre.
