Dental implant failure is extremely uncommon – in fact, this treatment has a 95% success rate. However, if you do experience dental implant failure, it’s important to act quickly and get the care you need. Keep reading, and you’ll learn how to recognize dental implant failure, what next steps you should take, and how you can avoid additional complications in the future.
Symptoms of Dental Implant Failure
It’s not always easy to tell which oral symptoms are relatively harmless and which ones indicate there’s something seriously wrong with your teeth. When in doubt, you should always call your dentist, just in case! Here are some signs of dental implant failure to watch out for:
- Difficulties chewing
- Inflamed gums
- Receding gums
- Oral swelling
- Loose implants or teeth
- Severe or prolonged pain
What You Should Do
If you believe your dental implant might be failing, don’t try to remove or adjust it yourself. Doing so could damage your restoration or nearby teeth. Instead, call your dentist right away and describe your symptoms in as much detail as possible. They’ll help you schedule the next available emergency appointment, and if necessary, can provide first aid advice. They might also advise you to rinse your mouth with salt water, or to avoid touching your implant site until they can get a better understanding of the situation.
Whatever instructions your dentist gives you, make sure you follow them closely! Once they examine your mouth and take detailed X-rays, they’ll be able to tell you why your implant failed. Treatment might involve taking care of oral conditions like cavities and gum disease, or repairing or replacing the implant itself.
Avoiding Dental Implant Failure in The Future
While not all dental implant failures can be prevented, the vast majority of them can! Smoking and gum disease are the most common cause of dental implant complications. By limiting your tobacco usage and maintaining good oral hygiene habits, you can reduce your risk of failure even further.
When dental disasters strike, your dentist is ready to leap into action and treat your emergency. They’d also be happy to talk with you about more ways you can prevent dental implant failure, so if you’re concerned, don’t hesitate to give them a call!
About the Author
Dr. Admasu Gizachew is a highly experienced implant dentist in Staten Island. Shortly after graduating from New York University, he completed advanced dental implant training at Rutgers University, and went on to teach others how to perform the treatment as a clinical director at a hospital. Basically, Dr. Admasu Gizachew is well-qualified to diagnose your dental implant complications and recommend an effective treatment plan! To contact his office for an emergency dental appointment, call 718-568-0405.