How Do I Know If I Need to Visit My Dentist for Dental Implant Failure?

When something’s not quite right with your body, you might feel discomfort or start to feel under the weather. Naturally, that’s how you know it’s time to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Dental implants, though, are made from inorganic materials. They fill out your dental lineup and make your smile look fantastic, but how will you know whether they’re healthy or not?

There are certain warning signs you can watch out for; keep reading to learn what they are and what you should do if faced with dental implant failure.

Are Dental Implants Safe?

Before diving into the details of implant failure, it’s important to note that in general, dental implants are an incredibly safe treatment. The materials involved are biocompatible and nontoxic, and studies show that they have a success rate of 98%. while failure is possible, it’s extremely uncommon.

Warning Signs of Implant Failure

That said, it’s still good to be able to recognize the warning signs so you can seek out treatment in a timely manner. If you experience any of these symptoms, it could mean that dental implant failure is imminent:

• Difficulties chewing or biting down
• Gum inflammation or recession near the implant site
• A wobbly dental implant or loose neighboring teeth
• Severe pain, distracting discomfort, or oral swelling

How Soon Should I See My Dentist?

As soon as possible! Not only is implant failure itself considered a dental emergency, but some of the underlying causes of this problem can be serious. Your dentist will want to thoroughly examine your mouth to check on your overall oral health and make an accurate diagnosis. Depending on the issue, your treatment plan could simply include adjusting the implant, or taking care of conditions like gum disease, tooth decay, or infection.

Whatever the case may be, be sure to follow your dentist’s instructions and voice any questions or concerns you might have.

Avoiding Dental Implant Failure

Your dentist will be happy to provide dental implant salvage and treatment, but it’s best if you don’t have to worry about implant failure in the first place! To prevent complications, make sure you:

• Brush twice daily, floss once per day, and use an antibacterial mouthwash
• Visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings every six months
• Smoke less – or better yet, quit using tobacco products altogether!
• Avoid other bad habits like nail biting, crunching ice, and consuming hard candy

With diligent care and help from your dentist, you’ll be able to enjoy successful dental implants for years to come!

About the Author

Dr. David Rosenfeld has many accomplishments in the field of dentistry, including being awarded a Fellowship in the International Congress of Oral Implantology. His experience with dental implants is outstanding – Dr. Rosenfeld can even complete the entire process himself, saving you time and money spent on traveling to an external referral. If you have questions or concerns about your dental implants or believe you might require a salvage, don’t hesitate to contact his office at 908-668-7838.