Dental Implant Failure & Salvage – Rockwall, TX
Saving Your Newly Rebuilt Teeth
Although dental implants are typically successful and provide a long-lasting solution for rebuilding missing teeth, they can still have a small chance of complications that can lead to their failure. Even if you’ve had your titanium posts for many years or just a couple of weeks, certain factors can lead to their ruin. That’s why it’s important to understand the common symptoms of a failed dental implant and to contact our team for help as soon as possible. We’ll be able to provide you with salvage treatment to maintain your results so you can make the most of your rebuilt smile! Keep reading to learn more or reach out to our office today to schedule your appointment.
Why Do Dental Implants Fail?
One of the main reasons dental implants fail is peri-implantitis. This infection involves harmful bacteria that accumulate around the metal posts and attack the connective tissues in the gums and jawbone that hold them in place. Left unchecked, it can eventually weaken their positioning and cause failure. In many cases, peri-implantitis is caused by poor oral hygiene, though other systemic conditions could also play a role.
Other potential causes of dental implant failure include failed osseointegration (when the post doesn’t bond properly to the jawbone), accidental injury, incorrect placement, and a compromised immune system. Should you notice any developing issues or experience any damage to your new teeth, notify your dentist right away.
Symptoms of Failed Dental Implants
While dental implant failure is rare, it’s best to be aware of the indications that say your treatment isn’t working as planned. The most common symptoms of this include:
- Difficulty eating: After your dental implant has properly fused with your jawbone and you’ve received your restoration, chewing should be completely natural-feeling. If this becomes a problem, you’ll need to notify your dentist for help.
- Loose dental implant: While this could simply be your restoration itself feeling loose, it might also indicate that the metal post is compromised.
- Signs of infection: This can involve any swelling, pus, or gum recession around the implants.
How Dental Implant Salvage Works
If you notice any of the above symptoms or other problems, speak with your dentist sooner rather than later. The earlier you can treat the problem, the higher the likelihood of saving your dental implant. Once you arrive at our office, we’ll examine your situation, identify the root of the issue, and determine the proper way to address it. Some salvage services include antibiotics or gum disease treatment. We might even suggest extracting the implant as a last resort. If this is necessary, we’ll discuss your next tooth replacement option or simply provide you with a new titanium post after we’ve handled the underlying problem.