Dental Implant Failure & Salvage – Nepean, ON
Restorative Care for Your Prosthetic Teeth
One of the reasons why we so frequently recommend dental implants is the fact that they are consistently successful. They do well in more than 95% of cases! Of course, it still must be admitted that, in rare cases, dental implants do fail. If you ever suspect that is happening to you, call us right away to learn about options for restorative care for your prosthetic teeth. Our Nepean team wants to get your smile’s wellness back on track ASAP.
Why Do Dental Implants Fail?
The most common cause of dental implant failure is an infection called peri-implantitis. It occurs when harmful bacteria sneak beneath the gumline and attack the tissue supporting an implant. Eventually, it can cause so much damage that the implant loses its viability. In many instances, poor oral hygiene is a contributing factor to the development of peri-implantitis.
Other possible causes of dental implant failure include:
- Accidents that cause trauma to the face and jawbone.
- Chronic teeth grinding and clenching.
- Certain underlying medical conditions, such as some types of cancer.
- Failure of the dental implant to properly bond with the surrounding tissue (failed osseointegration).
Symptoms of Failed Dental Implants
Dental implant failure can happen at any time. Early failure may occur within the first few months of the placement surgery, whereas late failure may occur much later, perhaps even decades down the road. Therefore, you should always be on the lookout for signs that something is amiss.
Here are some indications that you should contact us to request an appointment:
- After you heal from your placement surgery, your implants should not cause any discomfort. Unusual or severe pain is a red flag that deserves to be addressed.
- Difficulty chewing. Your implants should allow you to eat virtually any food with ease. Challenges in this area merit a dental appointment.
- Signs of infection. Swelling, gum recession, and pus are all signs that peri-implantitis may have developed.
- An implant feels loose. This may be a problem with the implant itself or the restoration (crown, bridge, or denture) that is attached to it.
How Dental Implant Salvage Works
You should seek care as soon as you suspect there is a problem with your implant. The earlier you undergo treatment, the more likely it is that we can address the issue via conservative means.
After a thorough examination, we will recommend your next steps. You might need a relatively simple treatment, such as a prescription for antibiotics or a new restoration. However, there is also a possibility that you will need more extensive procedures. It might even be necessary to completely remove the failed implant. After a healing period, you might become eligible for a new one.