Dental Implant Failure & Salvage – Jonesboro, AR
Save Your Restored Smile
In the vast majority of cases, dental implants are successful. In fact, most patients enjoy decades of problem-free function from their prosthetic teeth. Rarely, though, circumstances occur that lead to dental implant failure. If you ever believe that is happening to you, get in touch with our Jonesboro team right away. We will assess the situation and do all we can to save your restored smile. Our goal is to salvage your new teeth and allow you to continue enjoying all the benefits of implant-supported tooth replacement.
Why Do Dental Implants Fail?
The most common cause of dental implant failure is a type of gum disease, an infection known as peri-implantitis. When harmful bacteria invade the tissue around an implant, they can cause significant damage. Eventually, the condition may become so severe that an implant no longer has a strong base of support. Often, poor oral hygiene contributes to peri-implantitis.
Other possible causes of dental implant failure include:
- Physical trauma, such as that caused by an accident or teeth grinding
- Underlying medical conditions, such as certain types of cancer
- Failed osseointegration (failure of a dental implant to bond with the surrounding bone)
Symptoms of a Failed Dental Implant
Dental implant failure can occur at any time, whether it is weeks, months, or even decades after the initial implant surgery. You should always be on the lookout for the following signs and symptoms:
- Unusual pain. After you adapt to using your implants, they should feel natural and comfortable in your mouth. Pain is a sign that something is wrong.
- Difficulty chewing. Once your prosthetic teeth are attached to your implants, it should be easy for you to enjoy a rich variety of foods. Difficulties in this area are a red flag.
- Signs of infection. Pus, redness, swelling, and receding gums are all reasons to book a dental visit ASAP.
- An implant feels loose. In some cases, this points to a problem with the crown, bridge, or denture on top of an implant. In other cases, the implant itself has an issue that needs to be addressed.
How Dental Implant Salvage Works
You should book an appointment as soon as you believe something is wrong with your implants; delays only increase the chances that you will require extensive or invasive treatment.
When you visit us, we will examine your mouth, use imaging equipment to look beneath your gumline, and perform a thorough assess the situation. In some cases, we can stop an implant from failing by prescribing a course of antibiotics. In other cases, something as simple as a new restoration can address the problem. Sometimes, though, it is necessary to remove a failing dental implant. Later, after a healing period, it may be possible to place a new one.