Dental implants are an excellent method of tooth replacement that help to restore your smile after an accident or tooth decay. However, on very rare occasions, dental implants can fail. While this is unlikely, it is good to be informed on this issue if you are thinking of getting or already have a dental implant.
How does dental implant failure occur?
Dental implant failure occurs when the implant fails to fuse with the jaw bone. Although uncommon, there can be a number of reasons behind dental implant failure. Firstly, the way the procedure is performed can play a part in the likelihood of failure, so make sure you go to a reliable dentist that is experienced with performing dental implants.
Your bone structure can also impact the implant’s ability to fuse with your bone. If your jawbone has low density, the implant may not be able to integrate with the bone properly. Any dental injuries or infections after the procedure has taken place can also be a cause of failure. The specific kind of infection that affects implants is called peri-implantitis, where the infection is localized around the implant and the gums surrounding it.
Symptoms to look out for
How can you tell if your dental implant has failed? You may first notice that your implant is loose in your gum, indicating that it has not properly fused. Implant failure can also cause pain and swelling in your gums, specifically around the implant, so make sure you go back to your dentist if you notice any of these symptoms.
How can you prevent implant failure?
As one major cause of dental implant failure is infection, oral hygiene is incredibly important after having your implant fitted. To look after your dental implant, you should continue to brush twice a day, and use dental floss and mouthwash to remove bacteria from your mouth.
While your implant is still fusing to your jawbone, you should avoid hard and tough foods, such as candy or tough meats. Visiting your family dentist on a regular basis to check the health of your dental implant can help to catch any problems before they become serious, helping to prevent implant failure.
What to do if your dental implant fails
You should always visit your dentist if you suspect there is something wrong with your dental implant. They will be able to determine if the implant can be saved or not. In the case of infection, the implant may simply need cleaning, along with improved oral hygiene from you afterwards. Where injury to the bone has occurred or if you simply have low bone density in your jaw, a bone graft may be able to improve the chances of the implant fusing.
If you need a dental implant or are concerned about the health of an existing one, then contact Barabe Dental to arrange an appointment at our practice in Advance, North Carolina.