How to Know When There’s a Problem with Dental Implants

Patients who choose dental implants for their tooth replacement have a lot to look forward to, most importantly a sturdy tooth replacement that looks natural and promotes better oral health over a lifetime. Dental implant procedures are over 95% successful in healthy candidates, but they can occasionally fail. Keep reading to learn the most common indicators of dental implant failure — and how to keep it from happening to you.

Watch Out for These 4 Warning Signs

It’s not much of a mystery if you have a problematic dental implant. Most likely, you will quickly notice a few warning signs in particular. The four most common include:

• Severe pain/discomfort in the area
• Numbness or tingling in the mouth
• Swelling or inflammation in the gums around the implant post
• Feeling a loose dental implant

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms of a failing implant — or anything else that strikes you as not quite normal — do not hesitate to get in touch with an implant dentist.

Preventing Dental Implant Failure

Peri-implantitis is inflammation of the bone tissue and perhaps the most common cause of dental implant failure. It often develops as a result of poor oral hygiene. If plaque and bacteria are not removed with thorough brushing and flossing on a daily basis, an infection can develop between the dental implant and jaw bone. The tissue will gradually be lost, causing the implant post to lose its sturdy foundation and gradually loosen.

To prevent dental implant failure, remember to:

• Brush your teeth for two minutes, after each meal or at least twice daily
• Floss between teeth daily
• Visit your dentist for a checkup and cleaning at least every six months
• Clean thoroughly around the dental implant using an interdental cleaner
• Contact your dentist with any issues with dental implants as soon as they occur

Loose Dental Implant?

If you do experience a loose, painful, or otherwise problematic dental implant, do not hesitate to get in touch with your dentist for a solution. In the meantime, make sure you do not wiggle or disturb the crown too much. Take an over-the-counter pain medication to soothe discomfort and apply an ice pack to reduce swelling if needed. Your implant dentist will evaluate the issue and do everything possible to save the implant. If this is not an option, another alternative can restore the strength and stability of your smile.

To wrap up, dental implants are highly successful — but you must maintain excellent dental hygiene to ensure that they stay healthy for a lifetime to come. If you notice the warning signs of a failing dental implant, get in touch with your implant dentist right away!

Meet the Dentist

Dr. Veronica S. Walker is a trusted general dentist in Kernersville offering dental implant services for patients who have suffered tooth loss. To discuss a strategy for a failing implant or to learn more about this comprehensive replacement, you are invited to contact your dentist in Kernersville at (336) 993-3727.