A dental implant is an alternative to bridges or removable dentures in which artificial teeth are anchored to the jawbone by way of surgery. This process is a more effective and considered more aesthetically pleasing than the alternatives. However, Like all oral surgical procedures, there is a definite risk involved with receiving a dental implant. After getting dental implants, complications may arise, and there are a number of reasons why a dental implant might fail.

Osseointegration Failure

Osseointegration is one of the important facets of receiving a dental implant and an unsuccessful osseointegration is one of the prime reasons that a dental implant may be deemed a failure.

Osseointegration refers to the manner in which the jawbone has accepted the implant. A successful integration basically means that the implanted unit has fused correctly and is working efficiently. A failed fuse occurs if the unit is mobile, aesthetically unpleasing or shows signs of bone loss of 1 mm the first year of implantation or 0.2 mm after the second year of implantation.

There can be a variety of reasons why the osseointegration is a failure, including a natural inability to accept the implant, an adverse reaction to the anesthesia during the surgery or a lack of bone density that is required to handle the implant.

Peri-Implantitis

Occasionally during the surgery, bacteria are able to enter the gums through the open wounds caused during the surgery itself. The cement used to hold the implants in place during the surgery can cause bacteria to enter the gums, although it is rare. This can also be caused by the presence of bacteria before the surgery, or proper oral hygiene is not practiced after and bacteria becomes a problem, then this can present an issue for your implants. The bacteria can cause your gums to become red and swollen and reject the implant that was installed. This phenomenon is known as peri-implantitis. Although in some cases, this can be treated, in most cases, however, the implants need to be removed.

Failure Of The Implant Itself

Due to the stronger metals now used in dental implant surgeries that are able to handle load bearing and bending in much more more efficient ways than materials used in older implants, it is harder and harder to experience a failure of the implant itself. However, it is still possible and you should be aware of it as a possibility. An implant can also fail if external pressure is exerted upon the implant. For example, a sudden and strong blow to the face can pose an extreme threat to the integrity of an implant, which may have to be adjusted or, in some cases, removed.

Allergic Reaction to Implant

Another rare cause of a dental implant failure, but one that you should be made aware of nonetheless, is the potential that you may have an allergic reaction to the implant. Most modern day implants are made of a titanium alloy that contains a trace amount of nickel. Some people have an allergic reaction to nickel, even in a small amount. This can cause a number of problems for you and your dental implant. First and foremost, this can cause your body to reject the implant forthright. Secondly, and more painfully, this can cause a partial rejection of the implant, which will cause you to have to receive a second surgery to rid yourself of the entirety of the implant.

Dental implants can cause you some problems, but most of the reasons for failure can be prevented. Be sure to follow your dentist's post-surgery guidelines, inform him of any allergies and keep an eye out for signs of trouble so that you and your implants can have a long happy life together. For more information specific to your needs, talk to specialists from sites like http://bruceparkerdmd.com/.

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