Are you ready for the many benefits that come with dental implants? You will have a stronger bite compared to the other tooth replacement options, all while preserving your jawbone. But despite having an impressive 95% success rate, there is a rare chance that it fails, due to gum disease, poor oral hygiene, or smoking. To ensure you keep your implant in great shape, keep reading to learn the signs of failure and how you can stop it.
Are There Signs of Dental Implant Failure?
When it comes to a failed implant, some symptoms come with it. You might notice:
- A Wobbly Implant: If the post wasn’t able to fuse properly to your jawbone, you may feel that it’s loose. It may be subtle at first, but you may feel some movement when you chew or talk.
- Difficulty Chewing: Oftentimes, when your jawbone wasn’t able to grow around the tooth replacement, you may have trouble biting.
- Persistent Discomfort: While feeling sore after your surgery is expected, if it gets worse, then it can be a sign that something is awry.
- Inflamed Gums: The bacteria in your mouth can attack the structures supporting the implant, which can irritate your gums.
Why You Should Visit Your Dentist Right Away
Your dentist is the best way to know if your tooth replacement has failed. They are trained to spot the signs and treat them as soon as possible. The most common culprit is peri-implantitis. This is an infection that breaks down the soft tissues and bone around the implant, making it feel unstable.
In any case, your dentist will find the root cause and take the steps needed to give you a full smile that lasts a lifetime.
How Can I Prevent Dental Implant Failure
If you are worried about a failed implant, then you may be glad to hear that preventing it is fairly simple! Brush your teeth twice and floss once every day to get rid of harmful bacteria. To make sure you get everything, rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash can be helpful. Break unhealthy habits like using tobacco, as it puts your gums at risk for infection.
Lastly, keep up with consistent visits to your dentist! They can spot the signs of failure and protect your smile for the long run. Dental implants are an investment in your grin, so follow these easy tips to have a full set of teeth for decades to come.
About the Author
Dr. Ashley Civetti earned her dental degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center School of Dentistry at Houston. She is committed to giving her patients the best care possible, so she is taking advanced training and courses to further her education.
By partnering with trusted specialists, you can trust that you get a restored smile that looks and feels great. Dr. Civetti is proud to work with you to ensure your new grin stays pristine. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms associated with implant failure, schedule an appointment or call (561) 798-4200.