Dental Implant Failure & Salvage Mesquite
Renew the Health of Your Prosthetic Teeth
Tooth loss is unfortunate, but we are grateful for dental implants, a remarkable tooth replacement method that delivers stability, outstanding function, and a remarkable success rate of more than 95%. With that being said, however, we still acknowledge that dental implant failure can occur in some cases. If you ever believe that is happening to you, contact our Mesquite team right away. We will provide treatment with the goal of renewing the health of your prosthetic teeth ASAP.
Why Do Dental Implants Fail?
The most common reason for dental implant failure is an infection known as peri-implantitis. This condition occurs when harmful bacteria are allowed to proliferate in the mouth and invade the area beneath the gumline. Over time, this infection can cause extensive damage to the supporting structures of the implant, ultimately resulting in implant failure.
Peri-implantitis is not the only reason for dental implant failure. Other potential causes include:
- Physical trauma: An accident, fall, or persistent teeth grinding can inflict damage on both the implants and the surrounding tissue, compromising their stability and functionality.
- Certain medical conditions: Various conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes and some types of cancer, may adversely affect your dental implants.
- Failed osseointegration: In some cases, the tissue surrounding an implant fails to properly bond with it, making it unstable and ultimately causing it to fail.
Symptoms of a Failed Dental Implant
It is important to note that dental implants can fail at any time — whether it is months, years, or even decades following the initial placement procedure. Therefore, it is crucial to keep a watchful eye on your oral health and seek assistance at the first sign of a problem. Here are some symptoms to watch out for:
- Pain: After you have healed from your dental implant surgery, you should enjoy pain-free oral function. Severe or unusual discomfort is a red flag that warrants professional attention.
- Difficulty chewing: Dental implants are designed to restore your ability to enjoy virtually any type of food. Eating difficulties are not normal and might indicate impending dental implant failure.
- Signs of infection: The presence of pus, redness, swelling, and/or gum recession could indicate the presence of peri-implantitis or another dangerous infection.
- An implant feels loose: This could be a symptom of an issue with the implant itself or with the restoration (crown, bridge, or denture) that is on top of it.
How Dental Implant Salvage Works
If you suspect that there may be a problem with one of your dental implants, you should seek care as soon as possible. Delaying treatment may allow the problem to worsen. In contrast, prompt care might allow you to avoid invasive procedures.
When you arrive for your appointment, we will conduct an examination and ask you to tell us about your symptoms. We may also use our advanced cone beam scanner to obtain detailed images of the tissues beneath your gumline. Once we have collected sufficient information, we will be able to recommend a treatment plan.
In some cases, the issue may be resolved with relatively simple interventions, such as a new crown or some antibiotics. However, in other instances, it may be necessary to surgically remove the failing implant. Following a healing period and any additional restorative care, you may become eligible for a new dental implant.