There are three separate elements of a dental implant: a titanium screw that’s infused into the jawbone, the abutment that connects the crown to the screw, and the crown (the visible tooth) itself. They are considered the most natural restoration of a missing tooth. Whilst they’re designed to last permanently, an implant can also fail in certain circumstances. For cosmetic restorations especially, looking after them through strong oral hygiene becomes that much more important to avoid a failed dental implant.
Of course, you treat the implants with care, the results will show for the long-term. Here’s how you can avoid a failed dental implant and keep it strong for the long term:
- Only use your implant for biting down on foods. Avoid using your teeth to bite down on solids or open objects
- Ensure that you do not suffer from teeth grinding
- Always brush and floss your teeth twice a day to keep the mouth clean from bacteria build-up
- Visit the dentist regularly to check-up on your implant
How A Failed Dental Implant Occurs
Dental implants may well be strong and durable, but even they are susceptible to failing. Here’s how a failed dental implant can occur:
- Pressure – The crown and abutment can become dislodged if too much force is applied to them. For example, if you use your implant to bite off plastic or bite down on solid objects, the crown will become under stress and eventually become damaged.
- Poor Placement – Damage to the implant can also come from the treatment itself, where the implant is not properly placed. This means the implant has difficult bonding within the bone and, therefore, isn’t firm in its place, causing movement of the dental implant. The screw is weak in its position and the crown can fall off.
- Bad Habits – Never use your dental implants as tools to open or chew on things. This will cause the implant to weaken and damage. Quit these habits.
Can It Be Repaired?
If the implant itself has broken, it cannot be repaired and will need to be replaced with a new root. What does this mean? This means that the screw would need to be replaced, requiring a repeat of the same procedure when the first implant was fitted. Depending on the impact, you may require bone grafting treatment if it is found that the bone has been impacted. A weak bone means your implant cannot remain solid in its position.
Although, if the abutment or the crown breaks, it is these two aspects that would need to be replaced, meaning the screw will remain in place. The dentist would be required to take another impression of your teeth to create a new crown that fits your teeth set.
If you’ve had or are having complications with your dental implant, get in touch with us at Piazza Dental now!
