Dental implants are known to have a high success rate of around 95% upon initial placement. This means that it is highly unlikely that you will experience complications once your new teeth are in place. However, should a loose or infected implant develop, you need to know when to seek help. Keep reading to find out what signs to look for that indicate dental implant failure.
What Causes Dental Implant Failure?
A dental implant can fail for many reasons, but the most common include:
- Peri-implantitis, which is a form of gum disease
- Failed osseointegration
- Improper placement
- Facial trauma
- A weak immune system
What Are the Signs of Dental Implant Failure?
You may not immediately know if you are suffering from a failed dental implant; however, some signs can indicate a serious problem. Should you notice that you’re experiencing any of the following, do not wait to seek help. Instead, call and schedule an appointment with your dentist right away:
- Difficulty biting and chewing
- Pus forming on the gums
- The implant feels loose
- Swelling of the gums around the implant
- Discomfort that does not dissipate after a few days
What Can Be Done to Treat It?
Treating a failed dental implant requires that a dentist examine the area and take digital images to see what is happening beneath the gumline. Based on the analysis of the data, dental implant salvage may be required.
To ensure that your dentist can save your smile, they may recommend one or more treatment options depending on the cause of the failure. If peri-implantitis is to blame, periodontal treatment will be required to eliminate the bacteria that is causing the inflammation and infection. It might also be necessary to perform a bone graft to provide additional support once the implant is put back into place.
If failed osseointegration or facial trauma is to blame, the implant will be removed so that the area can heal because discussions resume about putting a new post in.
How Can You Prevent Dental Implant Failure?
No one with dental implants ever wants to experience a serious problem when it comes to their smile. After all, they are a substantial investment. This is why it’s important to take steps to protect your new teeth, and you can do this by:
- Practicing good oral hygiene habits at home
- Keeping your six-month checkups and teeth cleanings with your dentist
- Wearing a mouthguard to protect your teeth while playing sports or if you grind your teeth while you sleep
- Eating a nutrient-rich diet and reducing the amount of sugar and starch you consume
Dental implant failure is not a common occurrence but being able to recognize the signs early on will ensure you get the care you need should an unexpected problem arise.
About Grand Dental – Wilmington
At Grand Dental – Wilmington, tooth loss doesn’t have to be the long-term reality for patients. Instead, dental implants can provide a safe and effective way to replace missing teeth and enjoy all that life has to offer. As permanent prosthetics that integrate with the bone tissues, these artificial teeth reach down to the roots and rebuild smiles all the way to the crowns. While complications are rare, our team is equipped and ready to provide effective treatment should a patient experience dental implant failure at any time. Visit our website or call (815) 240-8822 to find out how we can help.