Dental Implant Failure & Salvage Morgan Hill
Careful Treatment for Failing Dental Implants
Dental implants have an impressive success rate of more than 95%. While there is no need to be overly concerned that something will go wrong with your new smile, you do still need to be aware that, in rare cases, dental implants can fail. If you ever think that there is a problem with your restored teeth, contact our Morgan Hill dental office. Dr. Hong and our team provide careful treatment for failing dental implants; our goal is to get your oral health back on track as quickly as possible!
Why Do Dental Implants Fail?
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The most common reason for dental implant failure is peri-implantitis, an infection of the tissue around an implant. When harmful bacteria attack your gums and jawbone, the damage may eventually reach the point where your implant no longer has an adequate base of support. Numerous factors can contribute to peri-implantitis, but often, oral hygiene missteps play a role in its development.
Other potential causes of a failed dental implant include:
- Damage, such as what may be caused by teeth grinding or an accident.
- Underlying medical conditions, including some types of cancer and bone diseases.
- Failure of a dental implant to bond with the surrounding tissue (failed osseointegration).
Symptoms of a Failed Dental Implant
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You should always monitor your oral health for potential signs of dental implant failure. Problems can arise at any time, even months or years after the initial placement surgery.
Here are some indications that you should seek professional care:
- After you heal from your dental implant surgery, your implants should not cause any pain. Severe or unusual discomfort deserves a visit to our office.
- Difficulty eating. You should be able to eat virtually any food with your implants. Difficulty chewing or eating is a red flag.
- Signs of infection. Swelling, pus, redness, and gum recession could all indicate the presence of peri-implantitis.
- An implant feels loose. In some cases, this is an issue with the restoration on top of an implant. In other instances, it has to do with the implant itself.
How Dental Implant Salvage Works
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It is important to book an appointment with us as soon as possible when you suspect that one of your implants has a problem. The sooner you receive care, the more likely it is that the issue can be addressed via conservative, relatively inexpensive means.
When you come in for your examination, Dr. Hong will look at your oral tissues and order scans so she can look beneath your gumline. Based on what she learns, she can recommend your next steps. In some cases, dental implant failure can be avoided with the help of antibiotics, oral hygiene changes, or other simple methods. However, if the problem is severe, it might be necessary to completely remove the failing implant. Later, after a healing period and any necessary restorative care, you may be able to get a new one.