Many experts believe dental implants are the ideal way to rebuild your smile after tooth loss because of their unique advantages. Unlike dentures and dental bridges, they include a titanium rod that’s surgically embedded in your jaw for added strength and resilience.
Although they have an incredibly high success rate of more than 90%, that doesn’t mean they’re invincible. If you’ve recently undergone the procedure, continue reading to learn about 3 indicators that point to a failing dental implant so you know when to seek help!
Sign #1: Instability
It can take anywhere from three to six months to heal after your surgery because that’s how long it takes your jaw to produce enough new bone growth to fuse with the metal support of your implant in a process called osseointegration.
However, your jawbone must be sufficiently dense to complete this stage of the recovery process. If your restoration feels loose or wobbly, especially when eating or speaking, it could mean that your jaw was too fragile to envelop the titanium post. This can contribute to failed integration resulting in additional damage, infection, or aches.
Sign #2: Gum Recession
Did you know that the leading cause of failure is a pervasive form of gum disease called peri-implantitis? If bacteria in your mouth penetrate the surgical site, they can erode the connective and bone tissues anchoring your new tooth in place. Eventually, your gums pull away in an attempt to escape the infection, leaving your restoration without a firm enough foundation.
Brushing and flossing twice daily can help prevent this, though you must be careful not to press so deeply into the socket around your implant that you damage its seal. If you notice persistent or worsening swelling or redness, it could point to an infection that requires your dentist’s immediate attention.
Sign #3: Discomfort
Although it’s normal to feel some aches and inflammation for several days after your implant procedure, the symptoms typically peak around the third day then gradually subside. If you experience lasting or progressive pain, it could be due to infection, friction caused by destabilization, nerve damage, or overcrowding.
Your dentist can examine your condition to pinpoint and address the underlying issue, whether it’s orthodontics to reposition your teeth or additional surgery to relieve pressure placed on your nerves.
If you’ve noticed any other strange or abnormal sensations in or around your restoration, it’s best to contact your provider and let them know. They can walk you through any special care instructions over the phone and schedule an appropriate time to see you.
About the Practice
At Midtown Family Dentistry of Dallas, you and your loved ones benefit from a team of general dentists and experts eager to improve your oral health. Whether you require basic preventive care or a more complex procedure, like dental implants, they are happy to help! They partner with the best local oral surgeons to improve the likelihood of implant success, then utilize state-of-the-art equipment to provide customized restorations to close the space in your smile. If you need to replace missing teeth, you can request an appointment on the website or call (469) 529-6016.