Sedation Clinics
Our team often recommends dental implants as the best form of tooth replacement because they are strong, sturdy, long-lasting, and highly successful. In fact, their success rate is over 95%! Of course, it must still be acknowledged that certain circumstances can lead to dental implant failure. If you ever suspect that one of your implants is in trouble, call our Lexington team right away to learn about our dental implant salvage services. We will evaluate the situation and strive to provide the needed TLC for your restored teeth that will help them to regain their health and function.
Dental Implant Failure & Salvage – Lexington, KY
TLC for Your Restored Teeth
Why Do Dental Implants Fail?
There are a number of potential causes of dental implant failure, the most common of which is an infection known as peri-implantitis. When bacteria attack the tissue around an implant, they can destroy its base of support. Often, poor oral hygiene is a major contributing factor to the development of peri-implantitis.
Other issues that may lead to dental implant failure include:
- Injuries, such as what may be caused by an accident or long-term teeth grinding.
- Failure of the dental implant to bond with the surrounding tissue.
- Underlying medical conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes and some types of cancer.
Symptoms of a Failed Dental Implant
It is important to note that dental implant failure can happen at any time, whether it is weeks, months, years, or even decades after the initial placement surgery. Therefore, you should always monitor your oral health and seek professional care at the first sign of a problem. Here are some symptoms that you should look out for:
- Severe or unusual pain around an implant is a red flag that should not be ignored.
- Difficulty eating. After you adapt to your dental implants, it should be easy for you to eat virtually any food. Challenges in this area indicate the need to visit a dentist.
- Signs of infection. Gum recession, pus, swelling, redness, and persistent bad breath are all potential signs of an infection in the gum tissue around an implant.
- An implant feels loose. A loose-feeling implant might be a problem with your crown, bridge, or denture. However, the implant itself may also be in danger of failing.
How Dental Implant Salvage Works
It is important that you seek care as soon as you recognize there is a problem with your dental implants. Delaying treatment will only give the issue an opportunity to worsen.
When you come in for your appointment, we will examine your mouth, use imaging equipment to look beneath your gumline, and then recommend a treatment plan. You might need something relatively quick and simple, such as a course of antibiotics or a new restoration. However, there is also the possibility that you will need more extensive care. We might even have to completely remove your implant. Later, after a healing period and further restorative procedures, you may be able to receive a new one.