Failing Implants
Marlton & Turnersville, NJ
Implant Treatments provided by Dr. Gail Childers
in Marlton & Turnersville, NJ at Periodontal Health Professionals
 Dental implants, while usually successful, can sometimes fail. Understanding and preventing these failures is crucial.
At Periodontal Health Professionals, our team specializes in addressing and resolving issues with failing dental implants, ensuring their longevity and success.
Recognizing Signs of Failing Dental Implants
Here are some signs to watch out for that could indicate your dental implants are failing.
Pain and Discomfort
It is natural to experience some pain when your dental implant has not healed properly. However, pain and discomfort that persist long after the procedure are significant causes for concern. Should this be the case, please do not hesitate to visit our practice, as this could be a sign of failing implants.
There is a difference between the pain felt during the healing process and the pain associated with failing dental implants. Implant failure typically causes excruciating pain and discomfort that comes in identifiable throbbing waves, occurring only after the procedure.
Swelling and Inflammation
Experiencing minor swelling after a dental implant procedure is common. This swelling should disappear after a few days. If the swelling becomes inflamed and persists, this is a cause for concern. Your gums may also appear red, signaling the onset of an infection, which can initially spread to your mouth and later to your bloodstream. This is an unhealthy situation that often follows implant failure.
Mobility of Implants
Properly placed dental implants should not feel like foreign objects in your mouth at any given time. Failing implants are noticeable by their mobility, indicating that they are not properly seated in your gums. Failing dental implants may also wobble when you eat, talk, or touch them, and this is considered one of the easiest ways to recognize a failing implant.
Gum Recession
Gum recession is another unmistakable sign of failing dental implants, occurring primarily when implants are poorly positioned. If the gum and bone tissue are inadequate, they will not hold the implant in place, leading to the recession of the gum.
Causes of Failing Dental Implants
Peri-Implantitis
Peri-implantitis occurs on the tissues surrounding a dental implant, and it is characterized by inflammation and the loss of supporting bone. This condition typically results from bacterial infections that develop into inflammation, affecting both soft and hard tissues around the implant. If unchecked, peri-implantitis can lead to progressive bone loss, potentially compromising the stability of the implant and ultimately leading to its failure.
Poor Oral Hygiene
According to our periodontists, poor oral hygiene can lead to failing dental implants. Inadequate oral hygiene allows bacteria to build up below the gum line, causing the breakdown of the soft tissue around the dental implant and potentially leading to its shift in position. Additionally, poor oral hygiene can cause gums to recede or damage the jawbone, affecting the stability of a dental implant.
Smoking and Dental Implants
Smoking is a significant risk factor for failing dental implants as it increases the likelihood of developing peri-implantitis. Smoking reduces blood flow to the jaw and heightens the risk of bacterial plaque accumulation in the mouth. This plaque can cause gum disease, leading to the failure of dental implants.
Preventing Implant Failure
There are several ways to help prevent implant failure.
Proper Oral Care and Hygiene
Proper oral care and hygiene are critical in preventing implant failure. This involves regular brushing and flossing, using mouthwash, and attending regular dental wellness checkups. Adhering to these correct oral hygiene practices significantly reduces the risk of both early and late implant failure.
Regular Dental Checkups
Regular dental checkups at our practice are essential for preventing dental implant failure. During these visits, our dentist will check for any developing problems with your dental implants, perform deep cleaning when necessary, and prescribe antibiotics if there are signs of infection.
Smoking Cessation
Smoking restricts blood flow, which is vital for delivering oxygen and nutrients to the gums and jaw, especially after dental implant surgery. This interference with the surgical healing process underscores the importance of avoiding smoking to prevent implant failure.
FAQs about Failing Dental Implants
What are the common signs of failing dental implants?
Common signs indicating failing dental implants include severe pain and discomfort, gum recession around the implant, loose and shifting implants, and swollen gums. It is normal to feel some pain or have swollen gums right after you get the implant, but these feelings should go away after a while. If they stick around for a long time, it could mean the implant is not doing well.
Can failing implants be saved with treatment?
Failing dental implants can often be saved with treatment, although success depends on the severity of the condition, such as peri-implantitis. For implants failing due to poor oral hygiene, deep cleaning around the affected gum line may suffice.
If damage has reached the jawbone, a periodontist might use minimally invasive laser technology to treat peri-implantitis without harming healthy gums, promoting new bone growth around the implant. In cases of infected gum tissue, cleaning the diseased area and performing bone grafting may be necessary. At our practice, we offer multiple treatment options for saving failing dental implants.
How long do dental implants typically last?
Dental implants, when properly cared for, can last a lifetime. Their longevity largely depends on good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups. Typically, the crown attached to the implant may need replacement after 10 to 15 years due to wear and tear, but the implant itself can last for many decades with appropriate care.
Is it normal to feel discomfort after implant surgery?
It is normal to experience minor discomfort after implant surgery, typically lasting up to a week. However, pain and discomfort persisting beyond one week are not normal, and you should consult our dentist for an evaluation.
When to Seek Professional Help
Dental implant failures are rare, but they do occur. Contact Periodontal Health Professionals if you notice any signs of infection, such as redness, pus, and swelling. You should also seek help if you experience severe, throbbing pain that comes in waves or if the implant changes position when you eat, chew, or bite.
Schedule with Your Periodontist in Marlton, NJ Today!
If you suspect your dental implant is failing, you should call us immediately at (856) 702-4340 and arrange to see our periodontist. Our periodontist specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and infections in the soft tissues surrounding the teeth. Dr. Gail Childers is particularly qualified to address issues related to failing dental implants. |
