Preserving Prosthetics: Recognizing Dental Implant Failure

Dental implants continue to gain popularity as more people learn about their many unique advantages. They’re the only replacement teeth that are embedded directly into your jawbone, so they tend to be stronger and more resilient than alternatives like dentures or dental bridges.

However, they’re not completely invincible and if you don’t care for them correctly, they could potentially fail. Continue reading to learn more about recognizing the signs that your prosthetic is in danger so you can act quickly to save your smile!

Why Do Dental Implants Fail?

These prosthetics typically have an incredibly high success rate of 95% or higher, so it’s natural to wonder what could possibly cause them to fail. According to the experts, the number one leading cause is a specific form of gum disease known as peri-implantitis. If bacteria in your mouth penetrate the surgical site, it can become infected. This affects the bone and connective tissue surrounding your implant, destabilizing the foundation it needs to remain firmly rooted in place.

Unfortunately, they could also fail if your mouth is unable to complete the osseointegration process successfully. Once the titanium rod of your prosthetic is placed in your jaw, new bone growth eventually envelops it until they fuse together. If you have insufficient jawbone density or don’t produce enough new bone during your recovery, then your implant could become loose or dislodged.

How Do I Know if My Dental Implant is Failing?

It’s important to recognize the signs of a damaged implant so that you can contact your dentist to make an appointment before the underlying issue progresses. You might have a problem if your restoration exhibits the following symptoms:

• Severe or persistent pain.
• Gum recession due to disease.
• Your implant feels loose or wobbly.
• It moves when you chew or talk.
• Gum inflammation, bleeding, or oozing.

How Can I Preserve My Dental Implant?

Thankfully, maintaining your dental implant to prevent failure is relatively simple. Some tips for keeping it in excellent condition include:

• Watch what you eat. Overly hard or sugary foods can chip your new teeth or attract bacteria that contribute to infection. Meanwhile, foods rich in calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin C support healthy teeth, bones, and connective tissues.
• Stick to your dental hygiene routine. You should brush and floss twice daily to remove plaque and germs that contribute to oral issues that could endanger your restoration.
• Don’t smoke. Cigarettes and vapes have nicotine which constricts your blood oxygen level and flow. This prevents your body from sending nutrients to your mouth to fight infection and can also suppress your immune system, increasing your recovery time.
• Schedule regular checkups. You should see your dentist every 6 months so they can monitor your condition to catch and address any areas of concern, like gum disease, before they worsen.

By making these few adjustments, you can avoid potential dental implant failure!

About the Author

Dr. Thomas Peters has decades of experience helping people improve their lives by enhancing their oral health. He earned his DMD from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine and became a Master of the Academy of General Dentistry, an honor awarded to less than 2% of dentists in the U.S. Today, he offers a wide range of services to meet all your needs conveniently under one roof, including the dental implant surgery. He provides a welcoming environment that’s equipped with state-of-the-art technology to increase patient comfort while delivering accurate results intended to last. You can request an appointment on the website or call (860) 677-8500.