Dental Implant Fell Out
Bolstered by decades of clinical research, development, and successful use, dental implants offer a highly reliable restoration for people missing one or more teeth. Despite a success rate as high as 98%, it is possible for a dental implant to fail but rarely will the implant fall out completely. This is particularly true if the implanted tooth was placed by a highly experienced and skilled oral surgeon.
When placed correctly, a dental implant should match the patient’s mouth and tooth structure. To help an implant remain in place for life, dental professionals will diligently check the device for proper fit. Dental implants are permanent, designed to hold up to intense use, and require minimal modifications to oral hygiene routines. If an implant falls out, it is typically due to an error with its installation or some other underlying issue. Luckily, in the rare instance an implant does fall out, the issue can generally be promptly resolved.
Given the rarity of an implant falling out, what is really occurring when patients contact their dentist stating their implant fell out? Continue reading to find out more about implant failure, how the issue can be addressed, and steps that can be taken to prevent an implant from failing.
Why a Dental Implant Fails
Amongst the causes of dental implant failure are:
- Insufficient or poor jawbone needed to adequately support the device
- Immune system deficiency or weakness
- Placing too much stress on the implant while healing
- Biological rejection
The Abutment Might be the Cause
A dental implant is composed of three parts:
- An Implant: a small metal post or rod that is surgically placed directly into the jawbone; acts as replacement tooth roots.
- An Abutment: a piece that attaches to the implant and connects with a prosthetic crown.
- A Crown: the visible, false replacement tooth that mounts to the abutment.
In many cases, when a patient claims their implant fell out, it is because the abutment became dislodged instead of the implant post. To fix this problem, the oral surgeon can typically replace the abutment and reattach the crown.
Titanium Implant Failure Rarely Occurs
While it is possible for a titanium dental implant to loosen, it is very rare for an implant post to fall out of the jawbone completely. If failure occurs, it is typically attributable to issues arising from osseointegration (the fusion process between the implant and jawbone). This can be because:
- Lack of jawbone density – often this will be addressed before placing implants via bone grafting procedures.
- Bacterial infection of the gum tissue following implant surgery.
- Underlying health issues that negatively impact osseointegration.
- Consuming alcohol, smoking, and putting too much pressure on an implant while healing.
Signs That Should be Monitored
Before it falls out, a dental implant will become loose. The symptoms and signs of a loose implant can be tied to different factors or causes which if caught early, can help keep the implant from completely falling out. Because early intervention is important, patients should be aware of any of the following signs after placement of their dental implants:
- Increasing or persistent pain in the days after surgery
- Visible loss of jawbone
- Bleeding when touched
- Noticeable discoloration to tissues around the implant
If any of these symptoms continue, it is advisable for the patient to promptly contact their dental professional in order to keep the implant in place.
How Dental Implants Should be Cared For
The prosthetic replacement crown mounts to the abutment and implant post placed below the gumline. Ideally, the metal properly fuses with the jawbone to become permanently anchored. The odds of successful implant surgery are bolstered if the patient has healthy bones as this helps ensure the implants stay attached in the jaw.
As people age, bone mass is lost. Because of this, elderly patients may not have adequate bone strength needed to support a dental implant. This does not necessarily exclude elderly patients from candidacy for implant surgery but could jeopardize the odds of success. To raise their chances of successful treatment, older patients with weak bones may try vitamin supplements or undergo bone grafting.
Beyond having strong bones, there are steps that can be followed when caring for implants that bolster their longevity. Avoiding sticky or hard foods that might damage the implants, is one such example. When biting or chewing hard foods, excessive pressure is exerted on an implant that could jeopardize its success. Sticky foods are problematic because food particles can easily stick to an implant and be hard to remove. Foods like popcorn, seeds, or nuts can also create issues because they can easily become trapped in the teeth and cause irritation.
Conveniently, dental implants and natural teeth can be cared for in the same way. This means flossing between the teeth every day, brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush twice per day, and visiting the dentist every six months for cleanings and exams. If proper oral hygiene is maintained, the mouth remains healthy, the risk of periodontal disease or tooth decay are reduced, and the odds of the implant remaining securely in the jaw are bolstered. Periodontal disease can be especially problematic as it will weaken the tissues needed to support the implants and natural teeth. Should gum disease develop, additional deep, professional cleanings may be needed along with improvements to oral hygiene routines.
An Implant Fell Out. Now What?
Usually, implant surgery will be successful and issue-free. However, in the rare case where an implant comes loose and completely falls out, the patient should immediately contact their dental professional to address the problem. Frequently, a dental implant can be re-inserted if it falls out.
In some cases, it will just be the crown that falls off which is not generally a serious concern. Most of the time, the loose crown can tightened back down. Should the abutment become damaged, it can also generally be replaced.
If the implant post moves under the gumline, it could be caused by periodontal disease or bone loss. If caught early, antibiotics and improved oral hygiene can correct gum disease and in many cases, stop or reverse it. Once gum disease is resolved, it may be possible to re-insert the implant.