Dental implants are consistently successful; they thrive in more than 95% of cases! However, that does still leave the slight possibility of something going wrong. While you do not need to be overly worried about one of your implants failing, you should be aware of what signs to look for, and you should take practical measures to protect your prosthetic teeth from problems. This blog post provides valuable information that can help.
Signs of a Failing Dental Implant
When a dental implant is not functioning as intended, you may notice a variety of symptoms, including the following:
- Persistent pain or discomfort at the implant site that does not subside after a few days. Pain is particularly concerning if it occurs after you have fully healed from your dental implant surgery.
- Swelling, redness, or inflammation around the gums near your implant.
- Mobility or looseness of the implant.
- Difficulty chewing or biting, especially if the discomfort is new or worsening.
- Visible changes in the gum tissue, such as recession or bleeding.
- Pus or other signs of infection that appear near the implant area.
- Unusual sensations, such as tingling or numbness around the implant site.
You should be especially diligent about watching for signs of trouble if you have risk factors for dental implant failure, such as smoking, poor oral hygiene, or uncontrolled diabetes.
If you notice any troubling symptoms, it is important to contact your dental provider promptly. Early intervention may be able to save your implant and prevent it from failing completely.
Preventing Dental Implant Failure
Fortunately, there are a lot of things you can do to greatly reduce the risk of dental implant failure:
- Maintain excellent oral hygiene by brushing and flossing daily. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid damaging your gums and implants. If you have an implant bridge, you should clean underneath it with a water flosser or interdental brush.
- Attend regular dental checkups and professional cleanings. Ideally, you should attend an appointment every six months.
- Avoid smoking or using tobacco products, as these can increase the risk of implant failure.
- Limit your alcohol intake, since overconsumption can impair blood flow, weaken your immune system, and lead to dental implant problems.
- Limit your intake of sugary foods and beverages, which can contribute to gum disease.
- Protect your teeth by wearing a mouthguard if you participate in contact sports or grind your teeth
- Manage your overall health by eating a nutritious diet, staying physically active, and sticking to other beneficial habits.
Dental implant failure is rare, but it is a serious threat! Take proactive steps to monitor your oral health and minimize your risk.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Steve Koo is a board-certified oral surgeon with nearly 20 years of experience. He works alongside Drs. William Shepard and Talal Beidas to provide top-quality care for the Cypress community. Our team can place dental implants and help patients who believe one of their implants is failing. To learn more about us or to set up an appointment, contact Piney Point Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery at 713-364-9903.