Dental implantation is a very common surgical procedure that has very good chances of success, but nonetheless, a small percentage of implants fail and the implant is rejected by the body. When an implant fails, there are warning signs, that should be noted as early as possible. If signs of dental implant rejection have started to develop, refer to a dentist urgently.
The dental implantation process involves the insertion of a foreign object into the soft tissue of the gums. There are many reasons that an implant may be rejected, but the most common is the development of inflammation in the area operated on, which interferes with the integration of the implant. The inflammation may develop because of poor oral hygiene or an infection that has penetrated during the implantation process itself.
Additional factors that may result in rejection of a dental implant include dramatic depletion of the jawbone in the gums and extrinsic factors that slow down the natural recovery rate of the gums, such as smoking cigarettes.
Signs of dental implant rejection are divided into two categories – visible symptoms and symptoms that are not readily observable.
The visible symptoms appear up to 45 days after tooth implantation and are referred to in medical jargon as early implant failure. Signs of dental implant rejection that can be identified with the naked eye include:
On the other hand, there are also hidden symptoms of dental implant rejection, known in medical jargon as late implant failure. In effect, this is an inflammation that develops very slowly – over the course of 5 to 10 years. It is likely that a patient will miss the early symptoms because they are similar to those of ordinary gum disease, i.e., mild bleeding and red gums. The dentist has the tools and skills necessary to diagnose the disorder, so it is important to make sure to come for a checkup at the clinic at the necessary frequency.
The chances of dental implant rejection may increase in accordance with the patient’s medical history and life habits. The conditions affecting these chances include:
It is important to note that even if there are patients who are part of the populations mentioned above, their condition does not prevent them from receiving dental implants, as long as their illness is under control. In any case, the dentist must be consulted on how to act, and he will brief the patient regarding how to maximize the odds of success of the integration of the new implant in accordance with his condition.
If the inflammation has been diagnosed at an early stage, the dentist will try to stop its continued development and save the implant by thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting the inflamed area. He may also prescribe antibiotics, at his discretion. In the case of a full jaw implant rather than a sole implant, the patient will be quickly referred to a clinic for a CT scan to precisely identify the cause of the inflammation and determine whether it is a case of implant rejection. If all attempts to resolve the inflammation fail, there is no choice but to replace the entire implant set.
The best treatment that can prevent the signs of dental implant rejection from the outset is adhering to good oral hygiene over time: making sure to brush one’s teeth twice a day, morning and evening, and use accessories such as dental floss and mouthwash. In addition, do not forget to visit the oral hygienist twice a year for thorough cleaning and an annual checkup by the dentist to identify disorders early, before they worsen.
have more questions about identifying signs of dental implant rejection? Dr. Yigal Balan’s skilled, professional dental staff will be happy to answer any questions.
