How to Tell if Your Dental Implant is Failing and What to Do Next

When it comes to tooth replacements, dental implants are a popular choice that boasts a 95% success rate. However, some factors like gum disease, smoking, and poor oral hygiene can lead you to a rare chance where the treatment fails. How can you tell if that is the case for you? The good news is that your dentist can help you with your dental implant in Coatesville. Continue reading to learn the common signs of a failed tooth replacement and how you can prevent it!

How Can I Tell if My Dental Implant Failed?

Having a list of symptoms that are associated with implant failure can help you know what to look for, so you can head to your dentist to get the care you need right away. Here are noteworthy ones:

• A Loose Implant: When your jawbone doesn’t grow properly around an implant, the main sign is often having some movement. At first, it may be subtle that only your dentist can notice it, but it can become wobbly and move when you chew or talk.
• Increasing Discomfort: Some tenderness after your oral surgery is normal, but if it becomes persistent, it can be a sign of a complication.
• Gum Inflammation & Recession: The bacteria in your mouth can attack the implant site and irritate the soft tissues supporting it.
• Difficulty Chewing: Many people choose dental implants since they function just like natural teeth, so when you have trouble biting or chewing, it may indicate that they failed to fuse with your jaw.

Why Seeing Your Dentist for Implant Failure Is Important.

Only your dentist can confirm if your tooth replacement failed, but having it addressed as soon as possible can help give you a successful treatment. They will find the underlying cause and create a plan so you can enjoy the full benefits of dental implants.

For instance, peri-implantitis is an infection that is the most common culprit for the failure. Bacteria attack the soft and hard tissues around the implant, causing them to break down and leaving you with an unstable implant. Your dentist will take steps to ensure that it doesn’t spread throughout your gums and give you advice on how you can up your oral care routine.

Is There a Way I Can Prevent Dental Implant Failure?

Thankfully, there are things you can do to avoid this situation. These are some simple tips you can follow:

• Keep Your Mouth Clean: A great way to ensure your dental implant is safe is to practice good oral hygiene. Be sure to brush twice a day and floss once daily. Rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash can be beneficial as well.
• Have Regular Checkups: Consistent appointments with your dentist will allow them to monitor the condition of your tooth replacement and ensure that no issues threaten it.
• Break Unhealthy Habits: Chewing or smoking tobacco can put your gums at risk for infection, so stopping can give you a greater chance for a successful treatment.

Spotting dental implant failure early is key to protecting your smile. Be sure to follow the advice above, so you can enjoy a full set of teeth for a lifetime!

About the Practice

Here at Chester County Dental Arts, we understand that no oral surgery is 100% risk-free. However, our expert team can help you with dental implant salvage to save your new tooth. We will find the underlying issue and take the steps needed to restore your new grin. If you think you’re experiencing dental implant failure, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment or call us at (610) 383-1600.