Dental Implant Failure & Salvage – Weatherford, TX
Restorative Care for Your New Smile
Statistics indicate that dental implants are successful in the vast majority of cases, so you have no reason to be overly worried that something will go wrong with your new smile. However, it still must be acknowledged that in rare instances, dental implant failure can occur. For that reason, we encourage you to keep an eye on your oral health and request an appointment with us if you ever even suspect that something is amiss. We will assess the situation and do all we can to provide effective restorative care.
Why Do Dental Implants Fail?
Most commonly, dental implant failure is the result of an infection known as peri-implantitis. It is a form of gum disease that may arise due to missteps in oral hygiene. When bacteria invade the tissue around an implant, they can eventually cause so much damage that the implant loses its base of support.
Other possible explanations for dental implant failure include:
- Failure of the jawbone to bond with an implant (this is known as failed osseointegration).
- Physical trauma (possibly caused by an accident or persistent teeth grinding).
- Underlying medical conditions (certain bone diseases, some types of cancer, etc.).
Symptoms of a Failed Dental Implant
Dental implant failure may occur at any time, whether it is very soon after the placement surgery or many years down the road. That is why we strongly encourage you to monitor your mouth and get in touch with us at the first sign that something is amiss.
Here are some reasons to seek professional care:
- Once you heal from your implant surgery, you should not notice any pain around your implants. Severe, unusual, or prolonged discomfort is a good reason to request a dental appointment.
- Difficulty eating. It should be easy for you to eat virtually any food with your implants. If this is challenging for you, you may need treatment.
- Signs of infection. Redness, swelling, pus, and gum recession could all indicate the presence of peri-implantitis.
- An implant feels loose. This could point to a problem with the implant itself or the restoration (crown, bridge, or denture) that is attached to it.
How Dental Implant Salvage Works
It is important to keep in mind that the earlier you seek care, the more likely it is that your problem can be addressed without extensive or invasive treatment. That is why we urge you to book an appointment as soon as you notice something is off!
When you come to visit us, we will examine your mouth, take some X-rays, and ask about your symptoms. Then, we will be able to recommend your next steps. You might need something simple, such as a new restoration or some antibiotics to get rid of the early stages of an infection. However, there is also a chance that we will need to completely remove the failed implant. Later, after a healing period and any necessary additional procedures, you might be able to get a new one.