Dental Implant Failure and Salvage

Why Do Dental Implants Fail?

Peri-implantitis is perhaps the most prominent cause of dental implant failure. This is an infection in the gums surrounding the metal posts, where the bacteria begin to attack and damage the connective tissues keeping the implants in place. This condition is typically due to poor oral hygiene, as bacteria, plaque, and/or tartar is allowed to accumulate around the gum line. A dental implant can also fail due to accidental injuries to the face or certain medical complications.

The good news is that peri-implantitis can easily be kept at by simply practicing good oral hygiene every day. Be sure to brush, floss (especially after meals), and rinse with mouthwash frequently to keep your smile clean and healthy. Visit your dentist every six months for checkups and cleanings, as they’ll also treat any developing issues before they can worsen.

Symptoms of Failed Dental Implants

Whether you’ve had your new pearly whites for several years or just a few weeks, dental implants can fail if they aren’t taken care of. The common symptoms of this include:

• A loose or weakening implant
• Discomfort or sensitivity around the implant
• Trouble biting down or chewing
• Receding gums around the dental implant
• Puffy, tender, or red gums

How Dental Implant Salvage Works

Should you notice any of the above indications of a failed or failing dental implant, don’t hesitate to contact our team for help. The quicker you notify us of your condition, the more likely we can effectively preserve your restoration. We’ll perform a thorough assessment of your mouth to determine the root cause of the failure so that we can alleviate the problem. This may involve gum disease therapy, antibiotics, or a bone graft to get your smile back in shape for a successful treatment. If we aren’t able to save your implant, then we may even need to remove it first to completely fix your oral situation before you can get back to enjoying a full smile.