dental implant failed Archives

A little over a year ago, I had to have a tooth pulled that was part of a dental bridge. Because two of my molars would then be gone, my dentist said the best solution was to get dental implants. I went through a whole ordeal of bone grafts and surgery and many months of healing before he could put the tooth on top. Then, within about two weeks, one snapped off. The whole screw part broke right where it came out of my jawbone. My dentist said it was a fluke and that there was space to do another and offered to do it at no charge. While that one was healing, the other broke off. So then I finally get the teeth put on top of those a couple months ago and one has already snapped off in the same place. My doctor said he’s not sure what’s happening, but he offered to fix it again. I don’t think I want to. This has been horrible. Is there any way to ensure success if I have the dental implant replaced again?

Thank you,

Moira in Iowa

Dear Moira,

Dental implants are quite an undertaking, and it’s disheartening when things go awry. However, they generally have a high success rate, and cases like yours are very rare.

Generally when a dental implant fails, it’s because of an infection, difficulty healing, or failure to integrate into the bone. Because most of them today are made of titanium or a titanium alloy, they’re incredibly durable and instances of actual breakage are mostly unheard of. However, there are a few dentists who purchase low-quality parts in an effort to save money. In reality, there are only a handful of reputable companies that make high-quality materials and the post alone can cost hundreds from one of them. At the same time, manufacturers in other countries have less stringent guidelines and can therefore sell a low-quality piece for under a dollar. It’s worth asking your dentist who his supplier is and researching the company. It may be a known issue with the dental implant parts he used. On the flip side, one would think that he would have taken note of this after the first two broke, and he would have switched companies.

The fact that you’re still having trouble strongly suggests that there is something wrong in the way he’s placing them. For this reason, it’s a good idea to get a second opinion from a doctor who specializes in dental implants. He can troubleshoot and may be able to pinpoint the underlying cause for sure.

I have been considering getting dental implants, but what my friend is going through right now terrifies me. I’m seriously reconsidering it. She had her dental implants done more than a decade ago and has had no problems with them whatsoever. She’s one of the reasons why I wanted to get my own- she was always raving about them and has a great smile. Well, a few weeks back, she said she felt a lump on her gums beneath one, so she looked up the name of a local dentist and went in to get it checked. He said that her dental implant failed. Not only that, but she had an infection and bone loss, so she couldn’t just get a new one. It’s going to be a whole big thing for her. My dentist told me there was some risks, but that they were on the onset of treatment, not ten years down the road. What happened to hers and how can I be sure it doesn’t happen to me?

-Devon in Indiana

Dear Devon,

Your friend has what’s known as peri-implantitis and it’s rare. Usually, if someone is going to have an issue with theirs, it occurs early, during the healing phase or right after the porcelain crown is placed. Peri-implantitis can occur years down the line, often without the patient being aware that anything is happening at first, but there are some tell-tale signs, such as bad breath or a bad taste in one’s mouth, which both come from the infection. As the infection remains unchecked, the bone around it starts to dissolve away, causing big problems.

You said that your friend had to look up the name of a dentist. This is the first red flag. It means she probably wasn’t getting her regular checkups, which would have likely detected the problem much earlier. Additionally, she wasn’t getting her teeth cleaned, which probably means she had some form of gum disease, if not periodontal disease. When you go forward with dental implants, it’s imperative to get these checkups and cleanings, so you can be sure you’re maintaining your oral health. This story would probably not have ended the same way if she had done this.

There are a few other things that can signal someone might be at risk for peri-implantitis. Smokers are more prone to it, which may be because of the constricted blood vessels and the high incidence of periodontal disease seen in them. There are also other conditions related to healing and bone density that could cause trouble as well.

When you work with an experienced implant dentist, he’ll take these things into consideration and will tell you if you’re at risk for it and if you’re not a good candidate for dental implants. Between this and making sure your teeth and gums stay healthy, you’re well on your way to keeping your smile beautiful for many years to come.

My Dental Implant Keeps Breaking- Any Way to Ensure Success Next Time?

Why Did My Friend’s Old Dental Implants Fail?