Dental implant rejection occurs when the body does not properly accept the implant placed in the maxillary or mandibular bone. Although dental implants have a success rate of over 95% , complications can occur in some cases.
It is essential to identify the symptoms early to avoid more serious problems.
How does rejection of a dental implant manifest?
Symptoms may vary, but the most common are:
- persistent pain (not to be confused with normal postoperative discomfort).
- Implant mobility: A successful implant must be completely fixed.
- Swelling and redness around the gum.
- Spontaneous bleeding or when brushing.
- Suppuration (presence of pus) indicative of infection.
- Swollen face from dental implant, especially if it persists for more than a few days.
How long does it take for the body to reject a dental implant?
Rejection can occur in two phases:
- Early rejection: It occurs in the first 3-4 months after implant placement. It is usually due to poor integration with the bone or infections.
- Late rejection: It may even appear after years, due to chronic infections, peri-implantitis or occlusal overload.
How do you know if your body is rejecting a dental implant?
If you notice any of these symptoms, go to your dentist immediately:
- Intense pain or that increases over time.
- Swelling abnormal that does not decrease.
- Infection in the dental implant (symptoms such as pus or bad smell).
- Mobility of the implant.
Important: Pain in a dental implant after years could indicate late rejection or peri-implantitis.
Causes of dental implant rejection
- Peri-implant infections (peri-implantitis).
- Dental bone graft rejection, if a previous one has been done.
- Bad implant placement:Incorrect placement may cause inadequate distribution of forces, damage nearby anatomical structures, or affect osseointegration.
- Systemic diseases uncontrolled such as diabetes.
- Smoke in excess.
- Oral hygiene deficient.
- Mechanical overload or malocclusion.
Risks of dental bone grafting in the event of implant rejection: Loss of graft, infection, or insufficient integration.
Can dental implant rejection be caused by poor placement?
Yes, it can be caused by improper placement . Although the term “rejection” is often associated with a reaction of the body to the implant material (which is very rare because titanium is highly biocompatible), in most cases, what is interpreted as rejection is actually a failure of osseointegration , and one of the most common factors is incorrect placement.
If you suspect that an implant may be misplaced, it is ideal to perform a 3D X-ray (CBCT) to assess the exact position of the implant and the integrity of the surrounding bone.
> Clicking here will show you photos of dental implants and everything you need to know about poorly placed dental implants.
When should a dental implant be removed?
It is recommended to remove the implant if:
- There significant mobility.
- There is a persistent infection that does not improve with antibiotics.
- El Pain is constant and affects the quality of life.
- The implant is misplaced, causing damage to the bone or gum.
Solution for dental implant rejection
- Early diagnosis by X-rays and clinical evaluation.
- Infection treatment if present.
- Removal of failed implant, if required.
- Guided bone regeneration before placing a new implant.
- New implants with better surgical techniques and biocompatible materials.
FAQ
- I have lost a dental implant, what do I do? See your dentist immediately. Do not try to reposition it yourself.
- Dental implant rejection after years, is it possible? Yes, it may be due to peri-implantitis, overload or poor placement.
- Dental bone graft rejection: is there a solution? Generally yes, with a new graft or bone regeneration techniques. In these cases, it is important that you put yourself in the hands of a dentist with experience in advanced bone regeneration cases. Dr. Alejandro Prieto is a reference in this area. On your Instagram profile you can see many of his works.
If you suspect you have a dental implant rejection, don't hesitate to contact us to solve your problem.