Since their inception, today’s dental implants have earned a reputation for being durable, lifelike, and very successful- even in the long term. However, there are several circumstances that may occur that could cause dental implant failure. On the rare occasion that your dental implant starts to fail, don’t panic. While it’s important to act quickly, Dr. Sharp may be able to help get your smile back on track.
Why Do Dental Implants Fail?
There are several reasons dental implants may fail. The first is known as peri-implantitis. This is a condition similar to periodontal disease that occurs when bacteria and infection destroy the connective tissue around the implant and weaken the supporting jawbone structure. Typically, this is caused by poor oral hygiene and gum disease.
In other cases, dental implant failure could be caused by failed osseointegration (where the dental implant doesn’t properly fuse with the bone), poor oral hygiene, gum disease, or certain medical conditions.
Symptoms of a Failed Dental Implant
Dental implant failure can occur at any time. Early failure happens in the healing period soon after implant placement, while later failure can develop many years or even decades after treatment. Here are a few warning signs that could indicate your dental implants are failing:
- Swelling or redness around the dental implant site.
- Oral pain or discomfort which intensifies instead of lessening.
- Chronic bad breath or bad taste in the mouth.
- Receding gums around the implant site.
- Loose or moving dental implants.
- Changes in bite patterns.
How Dental Implant Salvage Works
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr. Sharp as soon as possible. The earlier we are able to catch any problems, the easier and less expensive it typically is to fix them.
After Dr. Sharp has examined the dental implant, he will customize an appropriate treatment plan. This could include removing your current dental implant and reattaching it after treating any underlying problems. In some cases, you may need gum disease therapy, a bone graft, or a sinus lift.
Once you have healed from any preliminary procedures, Dr. Sharp will schedule your reimplantation surgery. You’ll then follow the same type of aftercare instructions during your first dental implant treatment. This will help protect your newly restored smile and prevent any future dental implant failure.
