Dental Implant Failure & Salvage – Kernersville, NC
Keep Your Restored Smile Safe
Compared to other restorations, dental implants are highly successful in the long run. It’s to the point that their success rate is over 95%. Despite this fact, though, implants can and do occasionally fail early. You should, then, watch for the relevant signs of failure. Doing so ensures you’ll know when to see us for help! From there, we can perform a salvaging treatment so your smile recovers. To learn more about this service, keep reading or call our office for details.
Why Do Dental Implants Fail?
Dental implants can fail for various reasons. That said, some causes of failure are more common than others.
Implant failure mostly stems from peri-implantitis, a kind of site-specific gum infection. Often a result of poor oral hygiene, it inflames soft and hard tissues around an implant. The result is that the prosthetic can loosen as the jawbone weakens.
Other issues that can make implants fail include:
- A severe physical injury or accident
- Failed osseointegration during the recovery period
- Various medical conditions known to weaken the immune system
Symptoms of Failed Dental Implants
Ultimately, implants can fail at any moment; the issue isn’t limited to a specific timeframe. On the one hand, it can occur early in the post-placement healing period. On the other, it sometimes happens years or even decades after treatment. You’ll thus need to stay vigilant.
Fortunately, there are signs of implant failure you can learn to recognize. To that end, consider the symptoms listed below:
- Persistent, throbbing pain – In the days after implant placement, it’s normal to feel some soreness. However, you should contact a dentist immediately if it worsens or persists.
- Difficulty chewing and biting – As long as you’re careful, even new implants should let you eat well enough. Continuing to struggle is a red flag.
- Implant looseness – An implant should be as secure as your other teeth.
- Swollen, inflamed gums – If your gums are irritated and inflamed, they’re likely infected and need immediate treatment.
How Dental Implant Salvage Works
Even if you only suspect an implant problem, contact us. A well-timed salvage treatment can fix your smile easily and at a relatively low cost.
To be clear, implant salvage corrects implant problems and restores oral health. How it works, though, depends on the patient’s situation. Dr. Walker must first identify your issue before tailoring the salvaging process. From there, he can recommend possible procedures.
If the problem is peri-implantitis, our team may not need to remove the implant. Instead, we can perform a gum cleaning, root scaling and planing, or gingival flap surgery. You may also need a bone graft to build up the implant’s supporting tissue.
Should facial trauma or failed implant fusion be to flame, the prosthetic will require removal. Only then can the treatment site heal properly. Still, we’re happy to discuss whether you can get a new implant afterward.