What outcome is likely if a graft material fails after periodontal surgery?

When a graft material fails after periodontal surgery, complications requiring further treatment are a likely outcome. The purpose of using graft materials in periodontal procedures is to facilitate healing, maintain or restore tissue architecture, and promote bone regeneration. If the graft does not successfully integrate or support these processes, it can lead to a variety of complications, such as insufficient bone cover over the roots, loss of periodontal support, or even infection in the surgical site.

These complications often necessitate additional interventions, which may include further surgical procedures to either remove the failed graft or to attempt to repair or reinforce the area with new graft materials. Additionally, there may be a need for increased monitoring and management of any symptoms arising from the failed graft.

While there is a risk of increased tooth mobility or loss, which indirectly increases the likelihood of tooth extraction, the more direct and immediate consequence of graft failure is the need for further treatment addressing the complications that arise from that failure. Successful tooth regeneration and immediate cessation of all symptoms are not realistic outcomes in the context of graft material failure, as the underlying issues would still need to be addressed.