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Renew Your Restored Smile
Dental implants are successful in more than 95% of cases, so there is no reason to be overly worried that yours will fail. However, it still must be acknowledged that, in rare cases, failure does occur. If you ever believe that is happening to you, contact our Federal Way dental team right away. We will do everything in our power to address the situation and renew your restored smile so you can continue enjoying it for many years to come.
Why Do Dental Implants Fail?
An infection by the name of peri-implantitis is the most common reason for dental implant failure. It occurs when bacteria sneak beneath the gumline and attack the tissue around an implant. Eventually, peri-implantitis can become so severe that the implant is no longer well-supported in the mouth. Often, poor oral hygiene is a contributing factor to the development of peri-implantitis.
Other possible causes of dental implant failure include:
- Certain medical conditions, including some types of cancer.
- Physical trauma, such as what may happen during an accident or as the result of prolonged teeth grinding.
- Failed osseointegration (failure of the body to bond with the implants).
Symptoms of a Failed Dental Implant
Dental implant failure can happen at any time, even years or decades after the initial placement surgery. For that reason, you should always monitor your oral health and be alert to signs of a problem with your implants.
Here are some reasons to call us to request an appointment:
- After you heal from your implant surgery, you should enjoy pain-free dental function. Severe or unusual pain is a red flag that deserves professional attention.
- Difficulty chewing. It should be easy for you to eat virtually any food with your implants. Challenges might indicate a serious problem.
- Signs of infection. Swelling, pus, redness, and gum recession could all indicate the presence of peri-implantitis.
- An implant feels loose. This could point to a problem with the implant itself or with the restoration (crown, bridge, or denture) that is attached to it.
How Dental Implant Salvage Works
It is important to seek care as soon as you suspect something is wrong with your implants. The earlier you receive treatment, the more likely it is that we can address the problem via conservative, relatively inexpensive means.
When you arrive at your appointment, we will ask about your symptoms and perform a thorough examination. Thereafter, we will be able to recommend your next steps. You might need something simple and non-invasive, such as a new restoration or a course of antibiotics. However, there is also the chance that it will be necessary to completely remove your failing implant. Later, after a recovery period and any necessary additional treatment, you might be able to receive a new one.