Why Do Dental Implants Fail?
The biggest reason dental implants can fail is because of a condition called peri-implantitis. This is an infection in the gums around the posts where harmful bacteria begin to invade and destroy the connective tissues holding them together. If left unchecked, the jawbone and gums can start to break down, causing the dental implants to fail. In most cases, peri-implantitis can happen due to poor oral hygiene.
Another reason dental implants can fail is because of failed osseointegration. This happens when the implant doesn’t fuse properly with the jawbone. Treatment failure can also occur due to accidental physical injury and medical complications, such as cancer.
Symptoms of Failed Dental Implants
Some of the most common indications of dental implant failure include:
-
Loose dental implant
: Sometimes this can be a symptom of an issue with the dental crown atop the implant. In other cases, it’s like the dental implant itself that’s failing.
-
Intense or strange discomfort
: Slight soreness is natural after your treatment, but once you recover, your implant should feel natural and comfortable in your smile.
-
Difficulty chewing
: After your dental implants have healed and you’ve received your new restorations, it should feel easy to eat your food.
-
Swelling & bleeding
: Should you notice any inflammation, pus, or bleeding, this could be a sign of infection. Seek immediate dental care right away.
How Dental Implant Salvage Works
If you think you might have issues with a dental implant or one or more of yours are failing, be sure to notify our team for help. We will evaluate your mouth, review your symptoms, and determine the best treatment plan for you to save your titanium posts. In many instances, our team can effectively preserve your dental implants with antibiotics, deep cleanings, and other methods for controlling infections. The sooner you seek care, the better the chance of saving your dental implants!
