 |
||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||
 |
 |
 |
If an implant or implants fail, can additional implants be placed?
Implant failure is a real concern for many dental implant patients, but implant failure is not the end all, be all of tooth restoration. During the initial consultation, many patients inquire about implant failure and wonder whether additional implants can be placed down the line. Here you will discover the causes of implant failure, and what can be done in order to ensure that implant failure patients will retain their beautiful smile.
The dentist performing the procedure. Unfortunately one of the largest reasons why patients experience implant failure is due to the inexperience of the dental professional performing the treatment. Dental implantation is an elective procedure that not all general dentists are familiar with. Special training is required in order to become a certified implant dentist, therefore it is paramount to inquire as to whether or not your dentist is a certified implant dentist. Beyond that, it is important to undergo treatment with an experienced implant dentist. The more familiar a dentist is with the treatment, the higher a patients chances are for success.
Smoking. Habits such as smoking can lead to implant failure as well. Researchers found that patients who smoke are at a greater risk of infection following implant surgery, and may heal more slowly. Smoking inhibits blood flow to the bone and tissues surrounding the gums and teeth, which impairs bone healing. If the implant fails to integrate with the surrounding bone, stabilization will not be achieved and the implant will fail.
Post treatment care. Your dentist will provide you with specific post-treatment care instructions following treatment, and these must be followed closely in order to experience success. Following treatment patients are a greater risk for infection, but post treatment care can minimize this. Following all instructions as well as visiting the dentist at least twice a year after implantation will minimize the risk for implant failure.
Bone loss will ultimately accompany the loss of the implant or implants, but if there is still adequate bone left, once the treatment area heals properly, additional implants can be placed. However, there are cases where additional implants cannot be placed after previously failed implants, which is why it is imperative that patients, undergo treatment with a certified implant dentist, follow all post treatment instructions and refrain from habits which can increase the chances of implant failure.