Dental Implant Failure & Salvage – Lincoln, NE
Get Your Restored Smile Back on Track
Dental implants Dental implants are reliably successful. According to some estimates, they thrive in more than 95% of cases. As remarkable as that is, though, there is no absolute guarantee that your new teeth will remain problem-free for the long haul. Some patients in Lincoln encounter issues that lead to dental implant failure. If you ever suspect that something is not quite right with your replacement teeth, get in touch with us right away. We will do everything in our power to get your restored smile back on track.
Why Do Dental Implants Fail?
The most common cause of dental implant failure is peri-implantitis, an infection in the gum tissue that destroys an implant’s base of support. It is often the result of poor oral hygiene, but other factors, such as preexisting health conditions, can also play a role in its development.
Beyond peri-implantitis, a few possible causes of dental implant failure include:
- Injury to the face or mouth
- Long-term bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching)
- Failed osseointegration (failure of the implant to bond with the jawbone)
- Certain medical conditions, like cancer or some autoimmune diseases
Symptoms of a Failed Dental Implant
It is important to bear in mind 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 be on the lookout for signs that something is not right. Here are some indications that you should seek professional care ASAP:
- Unusual pain. Some discomfort is normal immediately after the dental implants surgery. However, severe pain or pain that occurs after you have already had your implants for a while is a big red flag.
- Signs of infection. Pus, bleeding, gum recession, persistent bad breath, and abnormal swelling are all possible signs of an infection.
- An implant feels loose. In some cases, this is an issue with the crown, bridge or denture on top of an implant. In other cases, the implant itself is in trouble.
- Difficulty eating. After you adapt to using your implants, it should be easy for you to eat almost anything. Difficulties in this area are a reason to talk to your dentist.
How Dental Implant Salvage Works
As soon as you suspect that something is wrong with your implants, give us a call. If you delay treatment, the situation may become much worse, and you may end up having to go through extensive restorative treatment.
Depending on what is causing the problem, you may need a relatively simple treatment, such as antibiotics or a new restoration for your implant. In other cases, surgical intervention is required. We might have to refer you to a specialist who will remove your failed implant. Later, after a recovery period and a possible bone graft, you may be able to receive a new one.