Studies have shown that the risk of dental implant failure is about 5% for implants of the lower jaw. Dental implant failure is about 10% for upper jaw implants. Something that can be very confusing, though, is that one person can have multiple implants, and have all but one or two implants be successful. Up until now, there is no way to determine what really causes this kind of dental implant failure.
Some cosmetic dentists suggest that this type of dental implant failure is due to bacteria that is present in the jawbone. This bacteria may be present before the dental implant is done. It then causes the bacteria to be unleashed and turns the dental implants loose in the tissue that surrounds that implant. If other implants are placed in bone that is bacteria free, then they will heal quickly and easily. The germ infested dental implants, though, may eventually begin to fail and never heal correctly.
Some people confuse dental implant failure with dental implant rejection. Your dental implants are usually made of titanium. This is a metal that is also used in hip replacements. This metal causes no adverse reactions in your tissue, as long as it is commercially pure. Your dental implants can become contaminated, however, at the factory they were created at. All dental implant factories must comply with the strictest FDA regulations for quality, but in some cases, there has been contamination. Another area that your dental implants could get contaminated at is at the dentist’s office. This is very unlikely, though, as all surgeons and dentists are expected to follow the highest sanitation procedures.
The cause of dental implant failure will surely surface after the implant procedure. If you are experiencing discomfort, bleeding or excessive pain after a dental implant procedure you should contact your cosmetic dentist immediately.
Your dental implant failure can also be due to lack of proper aftercare. The success of dental implants depend not only on the skill and cleanliness of the surgeon, but also on the patient’s willingness to follow meticulous aftercare instructions. Your cosmetic dentist will provide you with clear and specific instructions for proper aftercare. Be sure to follow the directions, and if you have any questions call the dentist immediately.
