Dental implants are the best and most reliable treatment for damaged or missing teeth. In fact, they are one of the only dental restoration procedures with a near 100% success rate. However, dental implant failures do happen, and it’s important to be aware of the symptoms.
In most cases, dental implant failure is the result of one of a few factors:
- Poor dental hygiene
- Unreliable surgeon
- Gum disease
- An undiagnosed medical condition
If you’re worried that your dental implant has failed, we’ve got you covered! Keep reading to learn the signs of a failed dental implant and how Smart Arches can help.
1. You’re experiencing severe pain
It’s normal to have some mild discomfort or sensitivity while recovering from your dental implant surgery. However, you should notice a significant improvement in the days following the procedure and most people are feeling completely better within 1-2 weeks.
If you’re experiencing severe pain that’s impeding your daily life or if your discomfort persists, this could be a sign of implant failure.
2. The implant site is inflamed or swollen
Some gum swelling around your dental implant is expected immediately following surgery. But severe inflammation, redness, or bleeding is usually evidence that your implant isn’t healing properly or has failed to fuse with your jawbone.
If the gum tissue surrounding the implant is especially inflamed or you don’t see any improvement within a week of the procedure, it’s a good idea to call your oral surgeon and get it checked out.
3. Your gum line is receding
Modern implants are made from biocompatible materials that are designed to seamlessly fuse with natural bone and gum tissues. If the implant is struggling to fuse, it’s common for the gums to begin to recede or change shape.
Any type of gum recession near the implant site is usually a sign that your natural tissue is rejecting the implant. Gum recession and chronic inflammation may also be caused by an infection called peri-implantitis, which affects soft tissue around a dental implant.
4. Your tooth replacement feels loose
If your dental implant is healing correctly, then your tooth replacement should feel exactly like a real tooth. If your crown or bridge shifts or feels unstable, something isn’t working the way it should.
In most cases, a loose replacement tooth is due to an issue with the crown itself or with the abutment that connects it to the implant. However, implant failure can also prevent your replacement from sitting properly, so it’s important to reach out as soon as possible to diagnose the problem.
5. It’s difficult to chew or speak
Because dental implant restorations look and feel like real teeth, you should experience an improvement in your ability to chew and talk normally. If you’re experiencing discomfort, pain, or any odd sensation while biting down or talking, it may be a sign that your implant has failed.
What to do if your dental implant fails
If you think your implant has failed, you don’t want to wait it out. Leaving a failed implant can result in long-term oral health problems that are both painful and dangerous.
If you’re concerned about the success of your dental implant, call Smart Arches right away. We’ll evaluate your surgical site to determine if implant failure has occurred and can provide you with a reliable replacement.
How to prevent implant failure
Implant failure is extremely rare. But as with any surgical procedure, there’s always some level of risk. No one wants to go through the process of having an implant procedure only to find out that something is wrong or that the implant has failed.
Here are some simple ways to significantly reduce your chances of implant failure:
- Choose a trusted specialist to perform your procedure – The right dental implant expert will know how to fit and secure your implant correctly to ensure your surgery is a success.
- Make sure you have adequate bone density – Your implant needs enough support to fuse properly to your jawbone. At Smart Arches, we offer bone grafting treatment to ensure you have sufficient bone tissue.
- Practice proper dental care – Daily brushing and flossing as well as regular professional cleanings will help keep your gums and teeth healthy and increase the longevity of your dental implant.
- Stop smoking – Smoking is one of the worst things you can do for the health of your teeth. That’s why it’s strongly recommended that you quit prior to getting a dental implant.
- Eat a healthy diet – It’s always important to eat a nutritious, balanced diet to protect your oral health, with or without implants. In the days following your surgery, it’s also a good idea to stick to soft or easy-to-eat foods.
Are you worried that your dental implant has failed? The dental implant specialists at Smart Arches can help!
At Smart Arches, we do more than provide dental implants. We’re experts with years of specialized training and practical experience offering high-quality implant treatment to patients from all walks of life.
If you’ve experienced implant failure, we have the knowledge and expertise to address even the most difficult cases and ensure you get the healthy and attractive smile you deserve.
Contact us online or call one of our convenient locations to talk to our specialists today!