Dental implants are consistently successful; in fact, the procedure has a positive outcome in more than 95% of cases! You have every reason to be confident that your treatment will provide you with a strong smile that stands the test of time. However, there is still a slight chance that something could go wrong. A small number of patients experience
dental implant failure. How can you recognize if that is happening to you, and what can you do about it? This blog post provides practical guidance.
Signs of Dental Implant Failure
The symptoms of dental implant failure can develop soon after the procedure or even months or years later. Here are some warning signs that you should look for:
- Pain or discomfort at the site of the implant that persists beyond the normal healing period.
- Swelling, redness, or inflammation in the gums surrounding your implant.
- Difficulty chewing or biting down.
- Loose or shifting feeling of the implant or the crown attached to it.
- Receding gum tissue or exposed metal posts.
- Pus or discharge around the implant area.
What You Can Do
If you suspect that your dental implant may be failing, you should take immediate steps to address the situation. Acting quickly increases the likelihood that your implant can be saved. You should contact your dentist right away to discuss your symptoms and schedule an examination.
After they assess the situation, they can advise you on your treatment options. In some cases, a thorough dental cleaning, antibiotics, or other relatively simple measures are all that is necessary. In other cases, though, the best thing to do is completely remove the failing implant. After a healing period and necessary restorative care, you may become eligible to receive a new one.
Is There Any Way to Prevent Dental Implant Failure?
There is no way to completely eliminate your risk of a failed dental implant. However, you
can greatly reduce the chances of this happening to you. Here are some important steps you can take to protect your restored smile:
- Visit your dentist twice a year for regular checkups and cleanings.
- Practice excellent daily oral hygiene. You should brush thoroughly twice a day and use floss or other appropriate instruments to clean between your teeth and around your implants.
- Avoid smoking, since it significantly increases the risk of complications and implant failure.
- Manage any existing health conditions, such as diabetes or gum disease, that might adversely affect your implants.
- Wear a mouthguard if you grind your teeth at night.
You should not worry about dental implant failure, but you
should be aware of what it looks like so you can take appropriate action to prevent a worst-case scenario.
Meet the Practice
At the Center for Contemporary Dentistry, our highly skilled team proudly offers comprehensive dental implant care, including salvage services for failing implants. If you are concerned about the health of your prosthetic teeth or would simply like guidance on how to protect them from complications, we would be happy to consult with you.
Contact our Belmont office at 603-556-7047.
