Dental Implant Salvage

Dental implants are an incredibly successful treatment — in fact, they are successful in over 95 percent of cases! However, that does not mean that they are invulnerable to problems. In rare instances, circumstances arise that cause dental implants to fail. If you believe that one of your implants is not thriving like it should be, contact The Smilist Dental Medford as soon as you can. Your dentist will do everything possible to salvage your restored smile.

Why Do Dental Implants Fail?

Dental implant failure falls into two broad categories:

Early implant failure occurs shortly after an implant is placed in the bone. It may occur because the bone does not properly bond with the implant. This complication, which is known as failed osseointegration, may happen due to a number of reasons. For instance, a patient might have a health condition that affects their body’s ability to recovery from surgery. Or, there might not have been adequate bone structure to support the implant in the first place.

Late implant failure can happen months or years after successful osseointegration. It is usually due to an infection called peri-implantitis, wherein bacteria attack the gums and bones that support the implant. If the infection progresses far enough, the implant loses its ability to function properly.

What Are the Symptoms of Failed Dental Implants?

Regardless of whether you are new to dental implants, or you have had them for years, you should always remain alert for signs of possible dental implant failure. Some warning indications include:

• There is pain, swelling, and redness around an implant
• The implant feels loose, especially when you apply pressure to it
• It is difficult to chew with the implant
• The gums are receding around the implant

Remember that not all of the above-listed signs and symptoms mean for a certainty than an implant is failing. For example, if an implant feels loose, it is possible that the restoration on top of it is damaged and the implant itself is fine.

Of course, that is no excuse to ignore anything unusual about your implants. Schedule an appointment with our team as soon as you notice any cause for concern. We will evaluate your implants and your oral health and let you know if you need to undergo dental implant salvage.

How Does Dental Implant Salvage Work?

If we determine that one of your dental implants is failing, the best way to approach the problem will depend on its cause. If failed osseointegration is to blame, you might need to have a surgery that will encourage your bone and soft tissues to attach to the implant. On the other hand, if peri-implantitis is attacking your body, it is possible that we will have to remove the implant altogether. After the infection is healed, we might be able to insert a new implant later on.

No matter what steps we take to salvage your implant, we will give you detailed guidance on how to prevent complications from arising again. For example, you may need to adjust your oral hygiene routine, quit smoking, or start wearing a nightguard to prevent teeth grinding at night.

Are you worried about one of your dental implants? Our team are experts at restoring dental implants. Let us help you save your smile!