Common Causes of Dental Implant Failure

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Dental implants have an excellent success rate, but like any medical procedure, they’re not completely risk-free. When an implant fails, it’s usually because something interferes with how it bonds to the bone or heals afterward. Understanding the most common causes can help patients protect their investment and enjoy long-lasting results.

Poor Healing or Infection

The most common issue is infection, often called peri-implantitis. It happens when bacteria build up around the implant site, causing the gums and bone to become inflamed. Sometimes this starts small—with redness or mild bleeding—but it can progress quickly. Proper brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings keep bacteria under control and help prevent infection before it starts.

Insufficient Bone Support

A dental implant in Ocean Springs, MS needs a solid foundation to stay stable. If the bone is too thin or soft, the implant may not fuse properly, leading to movement or loosening. Dentists often perform bone grafts before placement if they spot weak areas, giving the implant a stronger base. Skipping that step, or rushing healing time, can raise the risk of early failure.

Excessive Pressure or Misalignment

Sometimes an implant fails because too much pressure is placed on it too soon. Biting down on hard foods or clenching the jaw during sleep can stress the implant before it’s fully integrated. Misaligned bites can also create uneven forces that slowly weaken the bond. A protective night guard or bite adjustment can often fix the problem.

Dental implant failure is rare, but it’s almost always preventable. Good oral hygiene, regular checkups, and following post-surgery instructions from your dentist in Ocean Springs, MS give implants the best chance to last for decades. When cared for properly, they not only restore your smile—they become a permanent part of it.

What Do You Need to Be a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

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Are missing teeth making eating difficult or affecting your appearance? Dental implants may be a solution for you to consider if you’re a good candidate for them. At Timmons Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry, our dentist in Ocean Springs, MS, offers this treatment after doing a thorough evaluation. Here’s what it takes to be considered a suitable candidate for dental implants.

Is There Enough Jawbone?

Implant posts fuse to the jaw tissue around them, so you’ll need to have enough jawbone available for support. If not, we might recommend bone grafting or discuss other solutions.

Do You Have a Healthy Mouth?

Our dentist will check for gum disease and other oral health problems that need to be treated before you can get dental implants.

Do You Have Any Medical Conditions?

Getting dental implants in Ocean Springs, MS, involves undergoing surgery. If you have any conditions that affect healing, such as autoimmune diseases, we may recommend exploring other options.

Are You a Smoker?

Smoking is one of the biggest reasons that dental implants fail. If you have this habit, we strongly recommend giving it up if you want to replace teeth with dental implants.

Are You Willing to Wait Months for Your Dental Implants?

You should know that it’s going to take several months for the entire process. We have to wait for your jaw to heal before replacing your teeth with crowns or other restorations.

Schedule an Appointment for Dental Implants Today!

Ready to see if these are the best choice for replacing your teeth? Our dentist at Timmons Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry can evaluate your oral health and consider other factors to determine if dental implants in Ocean Springs, MS, are suitable for you.