Although rare, failure is unfortunately something that still occurs with dental implants, even when periodontists take every possible precaution before and after the dental implant procedure. Once an implant is placed, motion of any kind should be avoided until the implant has had enough time to begin the osseointegration process and become more stable. Macromotion is the term used for excessive motion, most often related to trauma. For example, if a patient gets into a severe car accident soon after their dental implant procedure, macromotion that results from the accident may cause the dental implant to fracture or break. Micromotion is the opposite, a term used for the very minimal motion that is typically expected after implant surgery. Too much micromotion can also cause implant failure, so it’s important for dental professionals to educate patients on both and develop strategies to avoid them as long as possible after surgery.