Is My Dental Implant Failing? Look for These Warning Signs

Having a dental implant placed is a way to regain the functionality and smile aesthetics that you’ve been missing. And given the fact that the procedure has a 95% success rate across the board, it provides even more value. Still, the titanium implant isn’t infallible. If you’ve had any number of teeth replaced, then you need to know what the signs of failing dental implants are so you can act swiftly. Furthermore, you’ll discover how the problem can be addressed by a local dentist, and what you can do to extend the life of your implants.

Warning Signs of a Failing Dental Implant

There are several factors that can contribute to an implant failing, from poor oral hygiene to biting into foods that are too hard. Here are some of the warning signs that an implant may be in jeopardy:

• The implant is unstable.
• You have pain when you bite down into food.
• Swelling or infection develop around the treatment site.

You should bring any of these problems to the attention of your dentist so you can be scheduled for a visit. The sooner any issues are addressed, the better the chances are of salvaging the implant and requiring less complex treatment methods.

Treating a Failing Implant

The treatment strategy for resolving your implant issue will depend on the specific problem you’re facing. In some cases, the dentist may merely need to make some adjustments. Still, there are situations that require that the implant be removed.

However, before a new fixture is placed, the dentist will make sure that you have enough healthy bone mass to support another implant and that your oral health is sufficient. Because making rushed decisions could be detrimental down the road, your dentist will carefully proceed to ensure you have a lasting tooth replacement.

How to Avoid Implant Failure

Hands down, prevention is always the best form of treatment. So here are some steps you can take to preserve your implant:

• Avoid all tobacco usage, as the toxins released can cause a decline in oral health and contribute to jawbone loss.
• If you suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding), seek treatment to avoid unseating the implant.
• Avoid eating ice, biting fingernails or attempting to chew certain foods like nuts and hard candy.
• Maintain regular visits to your dentist for cleanings and checkups. Therefore, if there are any issues with your implant, they can be identified and addressed sooner than later.

The placement of dental implants provides a remarkably dependable solution for missing teeth, but to experience their benefits to the fullest, you should apply what you’ve learned here. However, mishaps can still happen, so if you have problems with your tooth replacement, don’t hesitate to seek care so they can be addressed swiftly.

About the Author

Dr. David Earnest graduated from the University of Texas Health Science Center. A member of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, he replaces missing teeth and repairs dental implants at Seguin Dentures & Implants. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Earnest has temporarily placed tooth replacement procedures on hold, but he is still available to provide emergency dental care. He can be reached for more information through his website.