3 minute read

Dental implants have long been proven a reliable solution treatment for replacing missing or failing teeth. Multiple long-term studies have reported high success rates exceeding 95% over 10 years, depending on the type of implants, number of teeth replaced and other factors.* However, it’s still vital for anyone considering dental implants to be aware of the possible complications involved so they can make fully informed decisions about their treatment.

Implant failure is rare, but it can occur for a variety of reasons. It may happen during the healing phase or later down the line, and it can depend on factors such as the skill of your implant dentist, the quality of the implants, the prosthetic and how well you care for your implants and your oral health.

Read this overview of how to spot the signs of a complication, why it happens, and how it can be prevented. If you want to know more about dental implants and whether they’re right for you, arrange a consultation with our Perth dentist Dr David Norcross today.

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What are signs of implant complications?

Minor pain and swelling around an implant are to be expected in the days after dental implant surgery and can be managed with over-the-counter medication. However, persistent pain or swelling in gums may be a sign of an infection or another problem. Other possible signs of a complication can include:

• Chewing and bite problems
• Irritation or discomfort
• Swollen cheeks
• Implants or teeth feeling loose
• Receding gums and shrinkage

Your dentist will explain what to expect after dental implant surgery and in the long term. If you experience any unexpected symptoms, contact your dentist as soon as possible.

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Why do some implants fail?

A dental implant failure may be considered cosmetic, mechanical, technical or biological. There are many underlying causes, including:

Cosmetic failure

A cosmetic failure is when dental implant treatment results an undesirable esthetic outcome, such as an uneven gum line or tooth proportions.

• Gum recession: Receding gums caused by advanced gum disease or other reasons can expose implants below the gums over time. If you have gum disease prior to implant surgery, your dentist will tailor a treatment plan to address your gum health before implants can be placed.

Mechanical failure

A mechanical failure is one such as a screw loosening, screw fracture or cement failure.

• Loose screws / bridge: An implant bridge may become loose and start to shift over time if the abutment screws come loose or the implants are put under pressure, such as from grinding or clenching teeth (bruxism).

Technical failure

A technical failure can include fracturing of the prosthesis, which may be a crown, implant bridge or the internal framework supporting the bridge.

• Crown / bridge fracture: Chipping or bridge fractures are a common complication of dental implant treatment. A skilled dental technician will design the most suitable bridge for your needs, ensuring there is adequate support for your dental implants. If a prosthetic is poorly designed or made of cheap materials, it is more likely to fail.

Biological failure

A biological failure can include nerve damage, progressive bone loss, integration failure, plaque build up and bacterial infections.

• Infection at the implant site: Peri-implant disease and other infections may develop around the site if strict infection procedures weren’t followed during surgery, or if a person continues to smoke or practises poor oral hygiene with implants. Infections are also more likely if you have a prior history of advanced gum disease (periodontitis).
• Lack of jaw support: Most types of dental implants rely on a strong jaw bone for support. If your jaw is too small or weak to support implants, they may not fully integrate with the jaw and may come loose.
• Allergic reactions: While very rare, some people may react to titanium implants and their bodies may reject them. Your dentist will ask about any allergies you have to lower your risks.

Implants can also fail due to poor placement or inexperience of practitioners. Positioning an implant as little as a millimetre away from the ideal position can have an impact on the final result. Dental surgeons who don’t have the necessary training and experience may make mistakes when planning and carrying out procedures. This can lead to problems such as misaligned implants or implants placed too close to nerves or sinuses, which can result in pain, swelling, headaches and even permanent numbness in some cases. The risk of these type of implant problems occurring is higher if having dental implants overseas.

At Perth Dental Implant Centre, our experienced and accredited dentist Dr Norcross provides high-quality implant treatments using TGA-approved implant systems, with comprehensive treatment planning and aftercare to minimise risks. Read more about our approach, or watch the video below:

Read about advanced gum disease in our blog Living With Gum Disease.

How are implant complications treated?

If you’re worried that you might be experiencing implant complications, you should make an urgent appointment to see your dentist. They’ll ask about your symptoms and examine your mouth, which may involve taking an x-ray to see the implant itself.

Treatment options vary, depending on the problem. If your abutment screw has come loose, your dentist can tighten or replace the abutments to stop your bridge from moving. If your bridge is poorly shaped and won’t allow for thorough cleaning around the implant sites, it can cause bacteria to build up over time, leading to an infection. Problems like gum disease and peri-implantitis may be treated by removing bacteria and damaged tissue, while other infections may be treated with antibiotics.

If an implant fails, your dentist will remove it and the gum will heal over within a few months. Your dentist will discuss the option of replacing the implant in the future, but in some cases, repeat surgery may not be possible and you may need to consider an alternative such as removable dentures. An implant bridge will routinely need to be replaced after a number of years.

Learn more about peri-implant disease by reading our blog Understanding Peri-implantitis: Prevention and Treatment.

How to prevent implant complications

Most complications from dental implants can be avoided by choosing an accredited dentist and taking precautions ahead of time. You should look for an experienced dentist who performs implant surgery regularly. They will carry out a thorough review of your medical history and any medical conditions, medications, allergies or other factors that may affect your suitability for  dental implants.

If your dentist determines that you have insufficient bone or gum tissue to support implants, they may suggest a bone grafting or gum grafting procedure to transplant tissue as preparation, or they may recommend longer implants such as pterygoid or zygomatic implants. If you have an oral health problem such as gum disease, this will need to be treated before implant surgery can begin.

You can also lower your risk of complications by:

• Following good oral hygiene every day, paying special attention to your gums
• Cleaning your bridge or denture every day, following your dentist’s guidance
• Following a soft diet while your implants heal and limiting sugar in your diet
• Not smoking, and not drinking alcohol during the healing phase
• If you have bruxism, wearing a custom night guard to prevent damage from clenching or grinding while you sleep
• Upgrading to a stronger bridge that’s more resistant to damage
• Attending follow-up appointments with your dentist and keeping up with your regular dental visits every 6–12 months and x-rays every 2 years

Have more questions about dental implants in Perth?

If you’re considering dental implants for a permanent teeth replacement solution, or even if you are chasing a second opinion, book a dental implant consultation with our experienced implant provider Dr David Norcross at Perth Dental Implant Centre today.

Call our East Victoria Park clinic  or our Kelmscott clinic on 1300 108 133. You can also contact Dr Norcross with any questions.
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References

* Setzer FC, Kim S. Comparison of long-term survival of implants and endodontically treated teeth. J Dent Res. 2014 Jan;93(1):19-26. doi: 10.1177/0022034513504782. Epub 2013 Sep 24. PMID: 24065635; PMCID: PMC3872851.