Common Reasons Dental Implants Fail

Common Reasons Dental Implants Fail

1. Insufficient Bone Support
If the jawbone where the implant is placed is too thin, soft, or weak, it can’t hold the implant securely. This is especially common in the upper jaw (maxilla), where the bone is softer and the sinuses reduce available space for implant placement.

2. Poor Healing Conditions
Uncontrolled diabetes, osteoporosis, autoimmune disorders, and smoking can all slow healing and reduce the body’s ability to bond with the implant.

3. Infection Around the Implant (Peri-Implantitis)
Bacteria can infect the tissue and bone around an implant, leading to bone loss and reduced stability over time.

4. Too Much Bite Pressure Too Soon
If the implant is exposed to heavy chewing forces before it has fully healed, even slight movements can prevent osseointegration from occurring.

5. Surgical or Placement Errors
Improper implant positioning or angulation can cause excessive stress during chewing, increasing the risk of failure.

When Bone Loss in the Maxilla Is Severe

When there’s not enough healthy bone in the upper jaw, surgeons sometimes recommend sinus lift surgery or zygomatic implants. While these can be effective in the right situations, they also have potential challenges.

Sinus Lift Surgery Challenges

• Healing Time – Bone grafts placed during the lift need several months to heal before implants can be placed.
• Surgical Risks – Possibility of sinus membrane tears, infection, or sinusitis.
• Variable Outcomes – In some cases, grafted bone doesn’t integrate as expected, delaying or preventing implant placement.

Zygomatic Implant Challenges

• Complex Surgery – These long implants are anchored into the cheekbone (zygomatic bone) rather than the upper jaw, requiring specialized surgical expertise.
• Longer Recovery – More invasive procedure with potential for increased swelling, discomfort, or sinus-related complications.
• Limited Surgeons – Not all implant surgeons are trained or experienced in this advanced method.

A Second Chance: Dr. Robert G. Hale’s Approach

Many patients are told they’re “not candidates” for implants because they’ve lost too much bone or have had implants fail in the past. Dr. Robert G. Hale, an experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon, offers an advanced alternative using the KLS Martin Preprosthetic device.

This device is anchored into stronger, more stable bone areas — bypassing weakened alveolar bone — and can be combined with cranial bone grafting for additional support. By creating a solid foundation, Dr. Hale makes successful osseointegration possible even in challenging cases, without always needing a sinus lift or zygomatic implants.

The benefits include:

• Avoiding some of the risks associated with complex sinus or cheekbone surgeries.
• Creating a reliable base for implants in patients with severe bone loss.
• Restoring function and confidence for patients previously told they had no options.

How to Reduce Your Risk of Implant Failure

Dental implant failure can be discouraging, but it’s not the end of the road. By understanding the causes — and exploring advanced solutions like the KLS Martin Preprosthetic device in the hands of a skilled surgeon like Dr. Robert G. Hale — many patients once told “no” can finally get to “yes.”

If you’ve been told you aren’t a candidate for implants or have had them fail before, getting a second opinion could open the door to a secure, natural-looking smile that lasts.

1. Choose an experienced implant surgeon who uses advanced imaging and treatment planning.
2. Address health factors like diabetes, gum disease, or smoking before surgery.
3. Follow all aftercare instructions, especially avoiding chewing on the implant during healing.
4. Maintain excellent oral hygiene to prevent infections.
5. Schedule regular checkups so bone health can be monitored over time.

The Bottom Line

Dental implant failure can be discouraging, but it’s not the end of the road. By understanding the causes — and exploring advanced solutions like the KLS Martin Preprosthetic device in the hands of a skilled surgeon like Dr. Robert G. Hale — many patients once told “no” can finally get to “yes.”

If you’ve been told you aren’t a candidate for implants or have had them fail before, getting a second opinion could open the door to a secure, natural-looking smile that lasts.