How Do I Know If My Dental Implant Is Failing?

Dental implants are revolutionizing restorative dentistry. They’re surging in popularity thanks to technological advances and their ability to replicate the look and feel of your natural teeth. For many patients, they’re a dream come true, eliminating the need for dentures and bridges. Implants allow patients to eat and smile precisely as they would with natural teeth. However, not every implant is successful. Several factors can cause implants to fail. As the dental community embraces implants at unprecedented levels, we’re addressing that reality and helping patients take steps to ensure success.

What Are Signs That My Dental Implant May Be Failing?

Dental implants are often an extended procedure requiring several office visits. For many patients, it’s well worth the time and cost as they live happily ever after with their new teeth. However, dental implants can and do fail. Significant signs include constant or recurring pain or an ongoing toothache, bleeding or receding gums, pus or a bad taste in your mouth, and pain when you bite or chew. Bone loss is another red flag for a failed implant. If you have external symptoms, your dentist may recommend using an X-ray or 3D scan to check for bone loss at the implant site.

What Can Cause a Failed Implant?

Failed implants can have several causes. Sometimes, they are related to the initial procedure, while in others, they develop over time because of dental hygiene or other issues.

• Implants can suffer from problems with the crown installed after the surgery. Some patients experience infections related to the glue used to seal the crown onto the implant or other issues with the crown.
• Failed osseointegration is another potential cause. When the metal implant doesn’t successfully implant into the jawbone, it sets your implant up for failure.
• Some patients experience nerve damage when the implant is too close to the nerves in the gums.
• Peri-implantitis is an inflammation of the gums around the implant, often because of a bacterial infection.
• Pressure from grinding or clenching can also cause implants to fail. We remind patients that the metal implant, while strong, doesn’t have the flexibility of a natural root. When you get an implant, your dentist should order a custom night guard, which you should wear every night to protect your implant (and your other teeth, too).

What Can I Do If My Implant Fails?

Your dentist’s flexibility in treating a failed implant depends on the extent of bone loss. If bone loss is minimal, we can treat and save the implant. However, if it’s extensive, we generally have to remove the implant and take a different approach to restoration.
Another factor is whether your implant is in the upper or lower jaw. Since most patients have greater bone density in the lower jaw, there’s usually a greater chance of saving the implant.

How Can I Set My Dental Implants Up For Success?

Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is one of the most important things you can do to protect your implant and overall oral health. Keeping up with routine checkups every six months (or more frequently if your dentist recommends) is another way to ensure your implant is thriving. Other tips include:

• Stop smoking: tobacco use hurts gum health, which is essential for keeping your implant strong and healthy.
• Eat a healthy diet rich in calcium, vitamin D and vitamin C for healthy bones and gums.
• Drink plenty of water: it helps reduce bacteria in your mouth and keeps your body and immune system healthy.
• Share changes to your medication regimen with your dentist.
• Be mindful when biting or chewing. Your implant is more delicate than your natural teeth and requires extra care.
• Wear a night guard as directed by your dentist, and avoid grinding and clenching during the day.

At Greenhill Family Dental Care, we know that implants are the wave of the future for dental restorations. We encourage patients to explore this excellent option when their oral health allows. As your family dentist, we’ll do our best to help you keep your implants strong and healthy for years to come.