Dental Implant Failure & Salvage Powell
Save Your Restored Smile
Dental implants boast a very high success rate, so you should have confidence that your new teeth will last for many years. However, it must still be acknowledged that, in rare cases, dental implant failure can occur. If you ever believe there is a problem with one of your dental implants, contact our Powell dental team right away. We will evaluate the situation and do all we can to save your restored smile.
Why Do Dental Implants Fail?
When dental implants fail, it is most often due to an infection known as peri-implantitis. This occurs when harmful bacteria multiply in the mouth and invade the tissue around an implant. Eventually, peri-implantitis can cause so much damage that it compromises the implant’s base of support. In many cases, missteps in oral hygiene are a major contributor to the development of peri-implantitis.
Other reasons why dental implants may fail include:
- Failure of the implant to bond with the surrounding bone (failed osseointegration).
- Certain medical conditions, such as some types of cancer and bone diseases.
- Severe teeth grinding.
- An accident that damages the jawbone.
Symptoms of a Failed Dental Implant
Dental implant failure can occur relatively soon after the placement surgery, but it can also happen years down the road. Therefore, you should always keep close watch on your oral health. Here are some signs that you should seek professional care:
- Severe or unusual pain. After you recover from your dental implant surgery, your new teeth should provide pain-free function. Unusual or severe discomfort should not be ignored.
- Difficulty chewing. Once you adapt to your implants, you should be able to enjoy a wide variety of foods with ease. Challenges with eating might point to a problem with your prosthetic teeth.
- Signs of infection. Redness, swelling, pus, and gum recession can all be signs of peri-implantitis.
- An implant feels loose. This might indicate a problem with the implant itself or the restoration that is attached to it.
How Dental Implant Salvage Works
You should visit us as soon as you suspect there is a problem with one of your implants. The earlier you seek care, the more likely it is that the situation can be addressed via conservative and relatively inexpensive means.
When you arrive for your appointment, we will ask about your symptoms and perform a thorough examination. You might need something somewhat simple, like a new restoration or some antibiotics. However, there is also a chance that you will need to undergo surgery to completely remove the failing implant. Later, after a recovery period and any necessary additional care, you might be able to receive a new one.
