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Can Dental Implants Fail, And What Are The Reasons For Failure?

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Dental implants are the most sought-after tooth replacement option in the UK. Research has shown that the 10-year survival or success rate of dental implants is more than 90%. However, a recent systematic review revealed that over 20 years, one in five tooth implants may fail due to various reasons. But can dental implants fail, and what are the reasons for it? You may ask. We will answer this question and many others in this blog. So, continue reading to learn more about tooth implant failures and how to minimise them. 

What are Dental Implants?

According to the British Society of Periodontology, an implant is a cylindrical fixture that is inserted into the jawbone to replace missing teeth. Dental implants are surgically anchored into the jawbone, where they serve as artificial tooth roots. Over time, high-quality bone forms around them. As a result, dental implants provide a firm foundation for any prosthesis attached to them for replacing missing teeth. 

Can tooth implants cause problems?

Research has shown that dental implants don’t cause any problems if they are placed by an experienced dentist and are looked after properly. Problems with dental implants can arise when novice dentists don’t create a thorough treatment plan or don’t follow the recommended surgical technique. This is why it is important to visit a qualified and experienced dentist when getting one’s missing teeth replaced with implants. 

What is the most common cause of dental implant failure?

The most common cause of dental implant failure is peri-implantitis. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, this condition refers to the inflammation of the soft and hard tissues surrounding an implant. Peri-implantitis can occur due to poor surgical technique or inadequate oral hygiene maintenance. If this condition is not treated in a timely manner, it can lead to implant failure. 

Can dental implants last a lifetime?

Dental implants are extremely durable. According to Healthline, dental implants can last a lifetime for many people, particularly if they are looked after well through optimal oral hygiene and regular dental checkups. So, it all depends on how well you look after them. 

What should I do if my dental implant feels loose?

If you feel that your dental implant has become loose, you should visit your dentist immediately. It could be due to various factors, such as infection or overloading during implant placement. You may prevent this implant from failing if you seek treatment in a timely manner. 

What are the signs of dental implant rejection?

Failure of dental implants can occur due to two major factors: early and delayed implant failure. Implant failure or rejection is typically characterised by symptoms such as persistent pain, swelling, and redness in the region. The dental implant may also feel loose, may give off a foul smell, and may exude pus. Another symptom of implant failure is exposure of the implant threads. If you feel that one of your tooth implants is failing, you should consult with your dentist immediately. 

Can I get dental implants if I have other health conditions?

Anyone can get dental implants if they have good oral and physical health. However, dental implants are not advisable if someone is suffering from chronic conditions that may affect implant durability. For example, patients suffering from bone diseases or gum disease should seek treatment for this problem first before getting implants. Similarly, diabetic patients should get their blood sugar levels under control before seeking this treatment. This is because high blood sugar levels can interfere with optimal healing. 

If an implant fails, is it worth getting another?

In case someone’s dental implant fails, they should get another one. However, they should consider the following before getting another implant. First, they should ensure optimal oral hygiene before implant therapy. Secondly and most importantly, they should get dental implants from a highly qualified and experienced dentist to minimise the risk of implant re-failure. 

Can a dental implant fall out?

Dental implants can fall out if they fail to anchor themselves firmly into the jawbone. This typically occurs because of peri-implantitis, poor surgical technique, or overloading during implant placement. 

Does Dental Implant surgery always work?

Dental implant therapy works perfectly if it is provided by a renowned and experienced dentist. In most cases, problems with dental implants occur when implant treatment is provided by novice dentists. So, it is very important to do your homework before selecting a dentist for getting tooth implants. 

Will dental implants rust?

Dental implants don’t typically rust. This is because they are made of titanium. Titanium alloys have an inherent tendency to form a thick layer of oxides around them, which prevents them from rusting and degrading. This is also one of the reasons why dental implants are considerably more durable than other tooth replacement options, such as dentures and tooth bridges.  

Is dental implant surgery safe?

Like all other dental surgical procedures, implant surgery is also safe if it is performed by a dentist with sufficient experience. Ideally, implant dentists should have obtained additional qualifications to ensure that their patients enjoy the best outcome from this treatment. 

If you are looking for e reliable dental implant practice to get teeth implants in the West Midlands, you should consider visiting Solihull Dental Centre & Implant Clinic. Our practice offers high-quality general dental and implant services to our esteemed patients in a comfortable and relaxing environment. Book an appointment with us today and let us give you a healthy and lasting smile with dental implants. 

Beyond Dental Bridges - Are Implants The Right Choice For You

Beyond Dental Bridges – Are Implants The Right Choice For You?

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When we talk about replacing missing teeth, the conventionally used options are removable dentures and teeth bridges. While these options have been used for many years to replace missing teeth, they have drawbacks. For example, removable dentures do not completely restore one’s ability to chew food and are prone to staining and fracture. Similarly, tooth bridges require the removal of healthy tooth structure from the supporting teeth for their attachment. More importantly, both these options had a limited service lifetime. 

But, thanks to modern dentistry, a newer tooth replacement option is available, which is not only highly durable but also restores one’s chewing and speech efficiency, giving them a naturally beautiful smile. So say hello to dental implants!

Which Is Better, A Dental Bridge, Dental Implant, Or A Gap?

Let us consider what will happen if we don’t replace a missing tooth. As soon as a tooth is lost, the bone around it starts to degrade very fast, resulting in changes in one’s facial appearance. Secondly, the opposing tooth and the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth begin to creep into the gap, resulting in spacing between the teeth and misalignment. So, leaving a missing tooth unreplaced is not a good idea.

Now, let us discuss which is better; a bridge or dental implant. A bridge is a fixed prosthesis that rests on adjacent supporting teeth and fills the vacant gap using dental crowns. So, dental bridges require natural tooth removal. On the other hand, dental implants are embedded directly within the jawbone, just like natural teeth. As a result, they remain firmly anchored and support the prosthesis – such as a crown, denture, or bridge – that is attached to them. Furthermore, an implant is highly durable and safe for use in the oral cavity. In fact, an implant can last for a lifetime if it is looked after properly, So dental implants are better than bridges when it comes to tooth replacement. 

When Would You Chose A Dental Implant Or A Bridge?

The latter should always be preferred when choosing between dental implants and teeth bridges. Why, because dental implants offer lifelike aesthetics, are durable, and restore one’s ability to eat and speak without difficulty. The only case when dental implants may not be suitable is when one is suffering from bone disease or has recently undergone cancer radiation therapy. 

How Permanent Are Dental Bridges?

Like other dental prostheses, dental bridges have a limited lifespan. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the average life of teeth bridges is about 5 years. However, their life can be enhanced significantly if they are looked after properly through oral hygiene maintenance and regular dental checkup visits. 

Can You Replace An Old Dental Bridge With An Implant?

Yes, it is possible to replace a bridge with an implant-supported prosthesis. However, the implant will only replace the missing tooth. But, the tooth structure removed from the healthy supporting teeth will need to be restored with a filling, with or without a crown. To fill the gap created by the missing tooth, your dentist will insert an implant that supports a zirconia crown.  

Which Is Better, An Implant Or A Bridge If You Have Poor Gums?

Neither an implant nor a bridge is suitable for tooth replacement when there is underlying gum inflammation. In fact, dentists do not perform any treatment in the presence of gum disease. Instead, they will first treat the periodontal disease with oral hygiene instructions and professional teeth cleaning and only then proceed with tooth replacement with a bridge or an implant-supported prosthesis. 

Are Implants Better Or A Bridge For A Molar Replacement?

Molars are our back teeth that are used for grinding. These teeth receive very heavy biting forces. Hence, your dentist will use a sufficiently strong and durable prosthesis to replace a missing molar tooth. Therefore, the best option to replace a back tooth is an implant-supported zirconia crown and not a bridge. Why? First, bridges need healthy tooth removal from the supporting teeth. Secondly, bridges are not as strong or durable as dental implants. So, implants are a better option for replacing molar teeth. 

Can Dental Implants Cause Gum Disease?

Dental implants are made of high-quality titanium, highly durable, safe, and non-allergic. However, dental implants require the same oral hygiene care as one’s own teeth. If oral hygiene around dental implants is ignored, food impaction tends to occur around the implant-oral soft tissue margin, leading to an inflammatory condition called peri-implantitis. Such a condition can even lead to implant failure. Hence, optimal oral hygiene must be maintained around implants to avoid soft tissue inflammation. 

Can You Get Dental Implants If Your Gums Are Infected?

It is not advisable to get dental implants with underlying gum disease. This is because gum disease causes the bones to degrade. As a result, they cannot anchor the implant and its prosthesis, leading to implant failure. The best practice is to treat gum disease first and then proceed with implant therapy. 

Can Food Particles Get Lodged Between Implants And The Gums?

If oral hygiene maintenance is ignored, there are chances that food particles may get trapped between the implant and the oral soft tissues, causing inflammation. Therefore, oral hygiene around implants must be maintained through brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkup visits. 

Is There Any Age Factor For Dental Implant Treatment?

Dental implants are generally placed in patients who have already grown all their permanent teeth, and their pubertal growth spurt is over. Apart from that, there is no upper age limit for getting implants. So you could get your missing teeth replaced with dental implants in your 80s or 90s, provided you’re in good health. 

Are you fed up with your uncomfortable dentures or teeth bridges? If yes, it is time to say goodbye to them and say hello to a beautiful and lasting smile with dental implants. If you live in Solihull, Solihull Dental Centre and Implant Centre is your best option to get your teeth replaced with dental implants. So, book an appointment with us today and let us give you a smile you genuinely deserve.