Statistically, dental implants have a low failure rate of only 5-10 percent. It is possible for a patient who has had multiple implants placed to have all but one implant be successful. Although rare, there are several situations that exist in which a dental implant may suffer from failure:

• Bacteria in the jawbone that is present but undetected can be unleashed when the implant is screwed into the bone. The tissue surrounding the bacteria-infested implant will eventually become inflamed and infected, preventing the implant from healing properly and causing it to fail.
• Even though implants are made of metal (usually titanium), it is possible for the post to bend or even break. A dental implant that has been contaminated at the factory where they are made or in the dentist’s office can also be the cause of implant rejection.
• Poor oral hygiene or neglect of aftercare instructions can cause dental implant failure.
• A poorly placed dental implant can be disturbed by your biting motion, causing aggravation that leads to failure.

Your dentist or oral surgeon will provide you with detailed instructions for aftercare and follow-up after the dental implant procedure. It is critical to the success of your implant that you follow your dentist’s instructions. Whatever the cause, dental implant failure is likely to present itself shortly after the implant is placed. If you experience excessive discomfort, bleeding, or swelling beyond what is expected, you should contact your dental professional immediately. Once the cause of failure has been determined and treated, you should be able to have the implant replaced.