When you’ve spent hundreds of dollars on a dental implant, the last thing you want to hear is that it’s been a failure. The truth is that you’ll probably know — or at least have a feeling — long before your dentist can confirm it. How does that happen, how can you recognize the signs, and what do you do if your implant has failed?
While the possibility of dental implant failure can seem scary, it’s important to note that the rate of failure is only five to ten percent. These issues can often be fixed depending on the reason for the failure. The faster you recognize complications or symptoms, the quicker you can get them resolved.
WHAT ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS?
Dental implants are metal posts that are surgically attached to the jaw bone to support artificial teeth. The type of dental implant you require depends on a few factors — including gum health, amount of teeth needed, medical conditions, and more — and you should talk with your dentist before making any decisions. Some procedures include:
WHAT ARE DENTAL IMPLANT FAILURE SYMPTOMS?
Once you’ve received a dental implant, you’ll have some discomfort and swelling up to seven days post-procedure. Anything after ten days should be brought up as a concern to your dentist. Most symptoms for dental implant failure don’t arise until two to three months after the procedure, and in some cases, complications don’t occur until years later. Signs that you’re experiencing dental implant failure include:
- Difficulty chewing or eating
- Gum inflammation
- Gum recession
- Increased swelling
- Loosening of an implant or replaced tooth
- Severe pain or discomfort
WHAT CAUSES DENTAL IMPLANT FAILURE?
There are a few instances for why dental implants fail, some of which combine with other causes. One example of this is the process called osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is often the result of gum disease and causes bone loss. Without the proper strength, your jaw bone can’t support your dental implant and could cause your implant to increase in mobility. Other causes of dental implant failure may include:
- Smoking
- Medical conditions like autoimmune diseases
- Poor dental maintenance
- An inexperienced surgeon
HOW CAN I PREVENT DENTAL IMPLANT FAILURE?
If you have dental implants, you can prevent failure by:
- Brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash daily
- Visiting a dentist every six months
- Quitting smoking
- Increasing your calcium intake through supplements or foods
- Getting a mouth guard to prevent teeth grinding
- Waiting to get teeth replaced until several months after your implants
- Avoiding habits that damage teeth – like chewing ice or eating candy
WHAT ARE MY TREATMENT OPTIONS?
Depending on the severity of your dental implant failure, your implant may require removal. This occurs because of poor maintenance, smoking, or an inexperienced surgeon. When removal happens, a replacement implant is often the solution.
If your implant needs to be removed because of medical conditions or bone loss — or if the size of destruction is too large — then the solution is a little more tricky. You won’t be able to replace your dental implant immediately, if at all. The only solution for these cases is bone grafting. Bone grafting is a procedure for growing back damaged jaw and other bones. Success rates for jawbones are typically low, so you should talk to your dentist about your options.
If your implant can’t be replaced, you’ll need to talk to your dentist about other dental options.
Related: What is Bone Grafting for Teeth?
DENTAL IMPLANT SPECIALISTS IN DALLAS-FORT WORTH
If you’re considering dental implants or have experienced dental implant failure, FastNewSmile can help you. We offer free consultations and use the highest grade of dental implants nationwide. Our FastNewSmile® implant is the least expensive way to get a permanent smile and comes with a lifetime guarantee.
To find out about our dental implant options and learn how else we can improve your smile, call FastNewSmile at (214) 521-5900 or schedule an appointment online today.