Dental Implant Failure & Salvage – Dallas, TX
Renew the Health of Your Prosthetic Teeth
We often recommend dental implants for many reasons, one of which is the fact that they boast a very high success rate. They do well in more than 95% of cases! Sadly, though, they do fail in rare cases. If you ever suspect that is happening to you, reach out to our Dallas team right away. We will examine your mouth, strive to determine what is causing the problem, and recommend a plan to renew the health of your prosthetic teeth.
Why Do Dental Implants Fail?
An infection by the name of peri-implantitis is the most common reason for dental implant failure. It occurs when harmful bacteria are allowed to multiply in the mouth and sneak beneath the gumline. Eventually, this infection can cause so much damage that an implant loses its base of support. Often, poor oral hygiene is a major contributor to the development of peri-implantitis.
Other possible reasons for dental implant failure include:
- Physical trauma. An accident, fall, or persistent teeth grinding can damage implants and the surrounding tissue.
- Certain medical conditions. Uncontrolled diabetes and some types of cancer may adversely affect dental implants.
- Failed osseointegration. In certain cases, the tissue around an implant fails to bond with it.
Symptoms of a Failed Dental Implant
It is possible for dental implants to fail at any time, even months, years, or decades after the initial placement surgery. Therefore, you should always be aware of changes in your mouth that might indicate a problem.
Here are some symptoms to look out for:
- After you heal from your dental implant surgery, you should enjoy pain-free function from your new teeth. Severe or unusual discomfort is a red flag that deserves professional attention.
- Difficulty chewing. You should be able to enjoy virtually any food with your implants. Difficulty chewing is not normal.
- Signs of infection. Pus, redness, swelling, and gum recession could all point to the presence of peri-implantitis.
- An implant feels loose. This could be an issue with the implant itself or the restoration (crown, bridge, or denture) on top of it.
How Dental Implant Salvage Works
You should seek care as soon as you realize there may be a problem with one of your dental implants. Remember, delays will only let the issue worsen. Prompt treatment may be less expensive and less invasive.
When you arrive at your appointment, we will perform a thorough examination and ask about your symptoms. We may also use our CBCT scanner to get a look at what is happening beneath your gumline. Once we gather adequate information, we will be able to recommend your next steps.
You might need something simple, such as a new restoration or some antibiotics. However, there is also a chance that it will be necessary to completely remove a failing implant. Later, after a healing period and additional restorative care, you may become eligible for a new one.