It is very clearly reported and also well known that the risk of dental implant failure is very low. But as in any other surgeries, dental implant surgery also has a small probability of complications, risks and dental implant failures. If you are careful, most of these can be determined before going for the surgery itself and hence can be avoided.

If dental implant failure is going to happen it will likely occur within the first few days after the procedure has been completed. This is often due to either the bone being over heated or the bone quality is very poor. It can also indicate the implant area is contaminated with bacteria or signs of an infection.

Ask the dentist about his implant failure rate, and inquire about how many patients (in your similar circumstances) he has worked on. The implant failure rate should be low, and the dentist should hopefully be able to describe several other similar patients he has worked on. Picking a competent implant dentist is imperative in preventing implant failure.

There is a chance of a titanium dental becoming contaminated before it leaves the factory, however, even though all companies which make implants are required to adhere to FDA-mandated quality control and sanitation procedures. It could also be exposed to unsanitary conditions either in the dentist's office or during the implant surgery, in spite of the high sanitation standards to which we expect oral surgeons to adhere.

Additional Caused For Dental Implant Failure

But dental implant failure can also be the result of the patient's neglect of aftercare. The dental surgeon will provide a clear set of instructions on caring for the new implant, and it is essential that the instructions be followed. If, in spite of maintaining the implant properly, the patient still develops swelling or tenderness around the implant, it could be a sign of infections and the dentist should be consulted as soon as possible.

Smoking is exceptionally harmful to all oral tissues, especially when implants are present. It affects the healing of bone and soft tissue, by reducing the nutrients and minerals in the tissues and by reducing blood supply. To help keep the supporting bone and gum tissues healthy and capable of resisting infection, the implant patient should not smoke.

This list is just a small example of the type of issues that can occur as a result of a dental implant procedure. Having said that, most dental implants are a complete success with the only ongoing maintenance, beyond day to day dental care, being the need to replace the crown (usually after about 10 years).

However the most controllable factor in ensuring the best chance of success is finding the right surgeon and restorative dentist. Find an implant surgeon who has had great success. Oral Surgeons, Periodontists and General Dentists with advanced Post Graduate training comprise this specialty area. Implants are usually done as a team. Make sure that not only your implant surgeon is qualified, but also just as important is the qualifications of the dentist restoring the implant (putting the tooth on the the implant). Ask lots of questions. Ask to see photographs of before and after photos and inquire about testimonials from other patients.