Early implant failure occurs only 3-4 months after the procedure during the bone fusion process and could be caused by more than one reasons.

• Autoimmune diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, type1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and celiac disease can lead to a high probability of the implant getting rejected by the body
• Lack of blood supply can cause slowed healing since the essential nutrients and healing agents reach insufficiently to the surgical site, preventing the implant post to integrate with the bone.
• Ongoing medications can cause conflict with the implant-bone fusion such as bisphosphonates which is prescribed to treat osteoporosis. This is why consulting a qualified professional is important.
• Poor physical health can also contribute to implant failure. Bad oral hygiene, vitamin deficient bones, and weak muscle tissue can yield a high probability of implant failure.
• Infections can significantly reduce an implant’s chance of successfully integrating with the jaw bone. A common gum diseases peri-implantitis can open the implant site causing bone deterioration.
• Low bone density is often associated with implant failure since the bone fails to stabilize the titanium post which leads to overloading.
• While titanium’s biocompatibility is excellent, traces of nickel are sometimes left which can cause an allergic reaction leading to inflammation of the gum tissue.
• Damaged nerves often spike up causing pain and numbness which can spread to the tongue, cheek and lip regions. This usually happens when an inexperienced surgeon performs the implants procedure

Late Implant Failure

Long-term failure occurs when the implant fails between the period of 1-10 years after the procedure. In most cases, the implant requires replacement or permanent extraction.

• Constant smoker is always at 6.5% to 20% higher risk of implant failure
• Under-engineered procedures cause too much stress on the implants
• Bruxism can damage the implant over time due to constant teeth grinding
• Lack of oral hygiene leaves the implant site vulnerable to infections and diseases
• Deteriorating gum tissue loosens the implants which eventually causes failure
• Low-quality bone allows bacteria to set in which very difficult to treat
• Trauma to the implant from injury can cause infection if left unchecked