Dental implants are presented to patients as ideal or almost ideal substitutes for their missing teeth. Rarely are they informed about risks and consulted on failure rates. Procedures can have serious consequences and are not perfect. Implants can and can fail. Patients need to be carefully informed about the risks and understand that dental implants can fail. With proper planning, the placement of implants is very predictable, safe and creates a functional and aesthetic result for patients.
Dental implants appeared long ago in the 1950s. The technology of dental implantation is changing at an incredibly high rate. As each new technology is adapted, the success of dental implants usually improves. Apparently, the technology comes to the market, which is basically excellent marketing, and either does not improve success, or actually prevents it. Fortunately, this does not happen very often.
So what makes dental implants unsuccessful? There are a number of factors that lead to an increased risk of dental implant failure. Unfortunately, some of the risks cannot be avoided, and that is why dental implants are 90-95% successful based on various studies (the number is actually closer to 95%). As with long bone fractures, even with the best approximation of the fracture and large immobility, some fractures simply do not heal when the casting is removed. Either nonunion occurs (which means that healing has never begun), nor is the fibrous junction (where you have scar tissue instead of bone between the two sides of the faction). Depending on the type and amount of the fraction and patient, non-alliances and fibrous compounds occur in about 5% of cases. This is similar to the failure rate of dental implants.
The same principles of healing from the faction are consistent with the healing of the implant. You need a good approximation of the bone on the implant surface and a period of immobility in order to have successful osseointegration of the implant. Osseointegration means that the bone has taken the implant and has inserted itself around the implant. As you can see, the failure rate of implants is similar to the rate of fractures, not healing properly. You may be rejected from osseointegration of the bone (similar to non-unions), and instead of the bone around the implant, you will receive fibrous encapsulation (similar to the fibrous joint for bone fractures).
Despite certain conditions that increase the risk of implant failure, poorly controlled diabetes, some metabolic and congenital bone disorders, some drugs, such as glucocorticoids (prednisone), immunosuppressive drugs and bisphosphonate drugs (Zometa, Fosamax, Actonel, Boniva, etc.) ) In addition, poor hygiene habits can lead to an increased risk of implant failure. People with these disorders and / or on these medicines should pay attention of implant doctors so that the treatment plan can be adapted to their needs and their medical conditions.
There are other factors that can lead to an increase in dental implant failure. Implants may fail early or late. Early failures will be defined as any time before osteointegration occurs (the healing phase) or during attachment of the crown to the implant. Late failure is defined as any time after the implant with the tooth is in operation.
Factors that can cause early failure:
This type of failure occurs shortly after placement of the implants. They can be caused by:
- overheating of the bone during surgery (usually due to lack of good irritation)
- too much force when placed (too tight fittings of the implants can lead to bone resorption)
- not enough strength when they are placed (too loose implants do not remain fixed and do not heal properly)
- infected implant
- infection
- Contaminated osteotomy
- epithelial cells at the site of osteotomy (connective tissue or scar tissue fill the nest around the implant instead of bone)
- poor bone quality
- excessive forces during osseointegration (during healing the implant functions, is mobile, therefore the bone does not attach to the implants)
- poor adherence to postoperative medications and / or instructions
- Other rare causes, such as failure of the implant from an allergy to titanium alloy.
Late failures usually include poor patient hygiene. Patients & # 39; often lose their teeth due to poor care, and the habit continues for some, despite the implant operation. Sometimes the implant is just overloaded. Some patients have higher bite forces and may need more implants for a more harmonious distribution of forces. Lateral forces can lead to late implant failure. Implants, like teeth, like to load straight up and down - are called axially. When the teeth and especially the implants are loaded tangentially or laterally, they weaken the bone around them and begin to fail. Another factor is poorly planned implant placement, improper implant placement and / or poorly designed prosthetic tooth, teeth or device. There are many reasons why implants can fail. Some of them are manageable and can be avoided, and some are not. So, how can a patient best provide his chances and minimize the risk of implant failure? The largest patients who can help the patient should follow the rules and instructions before and after the procedure. The second uses this opportunity to quit smoking.
However, the most controlled factor in ensuring the best chance of success is finding the right surgeon and restorative dentist. Find an implant surgeon who has been very successful. Oral surgeons, periodontists and general dentists with advanced postgraduate training combine this specialty. Implants are usually performed as a team. Make sure that not only your implant surgeon is qualified, but also the qualification of the implant dentist (implant placement) is equally important. Ask a lot of questions. Ask to look at the photos before and after the photos and find out about other patients.
Implantology (placement of implants) is a very technically sensitive procedure. Success is associated with proper business planning, and training, skill, and experience are also key factors in the success of a procedure. Although learning is really important, evidence of significant experience, especially in your area of interest ... may be even more important. Ask if your surgeon is certified and how long they are doing implantation, and if you work regularly or at least have a restorative dentist.
Before placing the implant, the surgeon should explain everything to you. If you feel that you have not received adequate information, wait until you are ready and completely reportedly. Find good information to help educate yourself. You can find more about dental implants by clicking here or checking this website for more information.
