Dental Implant Failure & Salvage – Crown Point, IN
Preserve Your New and Improved Smile
When it comes to replacing missing teeth, dental implants are widely considered the best option. After all, they’re successful in over 95% of cases. However, keep in mind that dental implant failure can still occur in rare cases. Although you shouldn’t live in constant fear that it will happen to you, it’s important to recognize the signs of a failed dental implant in Crown Point, understand why it sometimes occurs, and be aware of possible treatments. If you ever feel worried about the health of your dental implants, please call Ornelas Family Dentistry right away to learn more about options for dental implant failure and salvage in Crown Point, IN. Our team is ready to evaluate the situation and determine the best way to preserve your new and improved smile.
Why Do Dental Implants Fail?
The most common reason why a dental implant might fail is a bacterial infection called peri-implantitis. It begins with bacteria inflaming the gum tissue that surrounds an implant, but it may eventually spread to the jawbone. Over time, the bone and gums may deteriorate to the point that they are unable to continue supporting the implant. Peri-implantitis is most often the result of poor oral hygiene, but various other factors may also be to blame.
A few other causes of dental implant failure are:
- Physical injury or trauma near the implant site
- Failed osseointegration (the implant post never forges a strong bond with the jawbone)
- Medical conditions, such as cancer or uncontrolled diabetes, that inhibit the body’s ability to support dental implants
Symptoms of Failed Dental Implants
There are two categories of dental implant failure. Early failure occurs within the first few months after the implant is placed, while late failure happens after osseointegration is complete. In fact, it could occur years or even decades after the placement surgery.
Both early and late dental implant failure display similar symptoms, which include:
- Intense or unusual pain – While some soreness is to be expected after dental implant surgery, your new teeth should feel comfortable and natural after you’ve finished healing.
- An implant that feels loose – There’s a chance that your restoration is loose, but in other cases, a loose feeling could point to a failed dental implant.
- Swelling, bleeding, or pus – These signs all indicate an infection that needs immediate attention.
- Difficulty chewing – After your restorations have been placed, chewing should be as easy as it was before tooth loss. If you’re having trouble chewing, that’s a major red flag.
If you experience any of these symptoms, we urge you to request an appointment with us as soon as possible so that we can devise a plan to save your dental implants in Crown Point, IN.
How Dental Implant Salvage Works
If you suspect there’s something wrong with one of your dental implants, reach out to us as soon as you can. Dr. Joe Ornelas will examine your mouth, you’ll explain your symptoms, and together, you’ll discuss your treatment options. In some cases, we might be able to save the implant with conservative measures like a deep cleaning or antibiotics. The sooner you seek treatment, the higher the chances are that we can save your smile with inexpensive and simple procedures.
However, if the implant or surrounding tissue is too damaged, removing the implant altogether may be the best solution. Once you’ve recovered, you may be able to receive a new implant after bone grafting, gum disease therapy, and other treatments that are designed to get your oral health back on track.