Implant Failure & Salvage – Denton, TX
Preserve Your Tooth Replacement
In the overwhelming majority of cases, dental implant treatment is successful (between 95% and 98% to be more specific). However, there is always a rare instance where an implant failure occurs and salvage needs to be considered. It’s unlikely to happen to you, but in case it does, Dr. Balington and his team are ready to address it. We encourage you to learn more about the symptoms of dental implant failure in Denton, why it occurs, and what treatments are available to you. If you ever feel worried or concerned about the state of your dental implants, please don’t hesitate to call us right away.
Why Do Dental Implants Fail?
If a dental implant is failing, it’s typically because of a condition known as peri-implantitis. This disease occurs when bacteria access the tissue surrounding the dental implant. This damages it, causing the gums and jawbone to break down and no longer support the implant post. While poor oral hygiene is one of the most common causes of implant failure, other potential causes include:
- Failed osseointegration
- Medical conditions that affect the body’s ability to heal and support dental implants (including cancer)
- Physical trauma, such as a sporting injury or bad fall
Symptoms of Failed Dental Implants
If a dental implant is going to fail, it will typically occur during two specific circumstances. This includes immediately after the implant is placed (a.k.a. early-stage failure) and any time after the implant has fully integrated with the bone (late-stage failure). Failure can also happen years and even decades after an implant has been placed, so don’t assume that just because you’ve had your tooth replacement for a long time means it can’t fail.
The most common symptoms your dental implant is failing include the following:
- Severe or unusual pain for long periods of time (mild discomfort is normal right after surgery, but it should be improving over time, not getting worse).
- Looseness around the implant (this could also be the restoration, which means it needs an adjustment).
- Bleeding, swelling, and development of pus are signs an infection has appeared and immediate attention is needed from a dentist.
- Having difficulty chewing after receiving your dental restoration could mean the implant has started to fail (it could also mean the restoration needs adjustment, but you’ll need to confirm this with a dentist).
How Dental Implant Salvage Works
Call our office right away if you suspect something may be wrong with your dental implant, whether you had it placed recently or years ago. When you arrive for your appointment, we’ll perform a detailed exam and ask about your symptoms. From there, we’ll go over your treatment options to salvage your dental implant if viable.
Depending on the extent of your dental implant issues, we may recommend a deep cleaning, antibiotics, and infection control measures to stop the spread of your condition and save your tooth replacement. The sooner you get in touch with our office, the more likely you’ll be able to save your implant. Keep in mind that if damage is severe, the implant will likely need to be removed. You may be able to receive a new implant following a preparatory treatment, such as a gum graft, bone graft, or other service.