Dental implants boast an impressive success rate of more than 95%! Therefore, there is no need to be overly worried that something will go wrong with your new prosthetic teeth. However, it is still important to acknowledge that, in rare cases, dental implant failure can occur. How can you recognize this problem, and how can you keep your risk to a bare minimum? This blog post explains.
Signs and Symptoms of a Failed Dental Implant
You should see your dentist if you are experiencing any of the following signs and symptoms of dental implant failure:
- You are experiencing severe or unusual pain. Some soreness and discomfort are normal during the first few weeks after dental implant surgery. Severe, unusual, or prolonged pain is a different story and should be assessed by a qualified dentist.
- There are signs of an infection. Redness, swelling, gum recession, pus, and bad breath could all indicate the presence of a dangerous infection known as peri-implantitis. This issue is the leading cause of dental implant failure and should be treated right away.
- It is challenging to eat. After you adapt to using your implants, you should be able to eat almost any food without difficulty. Eating problems might point to an issue with your prosthetic teeth.
- An implant feels loose. This might be an issue with the implant itself or the restoration on top of it. Either way, you should see a dentist for an evaluation.
When Does Dental Implant Failure Occur?
The risk of dental implant failure is highest during the first few months after the placement surgery, before the jawbone has fully healed. This is known as early implant failure. However, late implant failure can occur years or even decades down the road. Therefore, you should never stop paying attention to your oral health and stay alert for signs of a problem with your implants.
Preventing Dental Implant Failure
Some instances of dental implant failure are beyond the patient’s ability to control. However, most cases of this problem are preventable. Here are some tips that can lower your risk:
- Maintain a good oral hygiene routine. A gentle but thorough routine of brushing and flossing can do much to reduce the buildup of harmful bacteria near your implants.
- Manage your overall health. A healthful diet, regular exercise, and other good health practices can support your immune system, lower your risk of infections, and benefit your dental implants.
- Attend a dental checkup every 6 months. If your dentist notices any potential problems with your prosthetic teeth, they may be able to provide treatment before the issue leads to dental implant failure.
- Do not smoke. Smoking is one of the biggest risk factors for dental implant failure because it can cause dry mouth, slow down your body’s ability to heal, and lead to other complications.
You do not need to be afraid of dental implant failure, but you do need to be aware of its signs and symptoms. Use the above information to keep your restored smile in good shape.
Meet the Practice
Our team at Santavicca Dental Professionals offers comprehensive dental implant services, including placement, restoration, and maintenance. If you have questions about this form of tooth replacement, or you are concerned about the health of your implants, we are ready to consult with you. Contact our Lebanon, NH, office at 603-215-7108.