Can Your Mouth Reject a Dental Implant?

Getting a dental implant procedure is not an event that anyone takes lightly because it’s a serious surgery that involves a delicate part of the body. Unfortunately, this procedure can go awry if an experienced oral surgeon doesn’t conduct it. That said, when a seasoned oral surgeon takes over the surgery, most tooth implant procedures are successful. 

So, why do some people experience dental implant failure? Continue reading to find out. 

What is Dental Implant Failure?

Some patients wonder if there are any steps they can take to reduce their risk of dental implant failure; after all, they have invested time and money into this procedure. Sometimes, implant failure is beyond anyone’s control because there are only a few steps you can take to prevent rejection. The good news is that dental implant failure is rare.

It’s essential to stay educated on the matter in the event you experience implant rejection. Here are the primary three causes of dental implant failure. 

1. Early Dental Implant Rejection

Some people’s bodies are sensitive to foreign objects, which can include piercings, needles pricking them, and even dental implants. They may unknowingly have allergies that can cause their body to reject the implant before the bone fully heals. 

For instance, some patients unknowingly have a metal allergy. Since dental implant posts are generally made of metal, an oral surgeon must know if a patient has this condition so that they can choose an alternative post material. Tell your dentist or oral surgeon of any allergies you may have as soon as you discover them. 

2. Late Dental Implant Rejection

Although this type of rejection is similar to early dental implant failure, this one occurs once a person’s bones heal. It’s typically a result of negligence, such as inadequate home care, dental hygiene, or postoperative trauma. Furthermore, dental implants may also be rejected due to misaligned teeth. Smoking may also result in dental implant rejection, though this is a new area of research. 

3. Inadequate Dental Hygiene

Although dental implants aren’t capable of decaying like natural teeth, it’s still crucial to treat them like you would your natural ones. We recommend you brush your teeth at least twice a day; aim to brush them when you wake up and before bed. Some people even brush theirs after every meal. 

Consider investing in an ultrasonic toothbrush, which can mimic professional dentist tools that can remove trapped particles and plaque build-up. Don’t forget to floss! You should floss once a day, preferably before you go to sleep. Remember, your teeth’s bones are still susceptible to infection and disease due to poor oral hygiene—even if you have dental implants. 

Oral & Facial Surgery of Utah Can Help

Experiencing dental implant rejection is both frustrating and painful. The board-certified oral surgeons at Oral & Facial Surgery of Utah specialize in dental implant insertion. If you suffer from implant failure, you can count on us to stop it before it progresses. 

Our promise is a transparent and professional experience with each patient’s best interests at heart. 

We have offices in South Jordan, Cottonwood Heights, and Tooele. Schedule your free consultation today.