A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that a periodontist places into the jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. The dental implant is a fixed method of tooth restoration, meaning that it is not removed from the mouth once it is placed. The entire process can take several months. Surgery is required to place the implant into the bone. Not everyone is a good candidate for implants. Implants require healthy gums, a good amount of bone in the jaws, and superb hygiene to be successful. Implants can provide a highly functional way to replace missing teeth, but it is important to recognize the possible complications.
Failure to Osseointegrate
Implant surgery involves drilling a hole into the jawbone. The implant is then placed into the hole and allowed to heal for several months. A complete healing process requires osseointegration. This means that as the bone heals, it grows into the grooves of the implant, holding it in place. An implant may fail to integrate into the bone because it is not placed properly, or it is placed in the wrong position, and as a result, it will not support the artificial tooth. When this occurs, the implant must be removed, and the dentist may try to place it again with better results.
Infection
Implant infections can occur during or after placement due to bacterial invasion. If an infection occurs while the bone is healing, it can result in the implant being unable to bond properly with the infected bone surrounding it. If this happens, the implant must be replaced. If the infection occurs after the implant has successfully integrated into the surrounding bone, the condition becomes known as peri-implantitis. Peri-implantitis can cause bone loss around the implant, leading it its failure. Good oral hygiene is imperative to prevent infections from occurring during and after implant placement. Implants affected by peri-implantitis will require treatment, and replacement may be necessary.
Fracture
Most implants are fabricated from titanium, a very strong metal that is also compatible with the body's tissues. Fracture of an implant is rare, but it can happen. It usually occurs when it is supporting an artificial tooth that breaks. Fractures of restorations and implants sometimes occur when a patient's bite is off. This means that the implant is not in the correct position to adapt to biting and chewing forces properly. If the artificial tooth is the only part that breaks, another tooth can be made that will correct the patient's bite. However, if the implant fractures, it must be removed and replaced.
