Dental Implant Disaster: How Do I Know If It’s Failing?

Did you know dental implants are resilient enough to potentially last 30+ years if cared for correctly? Of all the replacement teeth, they’re the only ones embedded directly into your jawbone for added strength and durability. Once your jaw fuses with the metal rod of your prosthetic, it’s a permanent part of your smile and typically has a high success rate of 95%.

Although it’s incredibly reliable, there are some conditions where your restoration might fail. Recognizing the early signs allows you to contact your dentist as soon as a problem arises. Continue reading to learn about three indicators that your implant might have a problem!

Issue #1: Wiggling

Once your dentist places the titanium rod of your implant into your jawbone, the materials fuse through a process called osseointegration. This metal pole functions like the roots of your teeth to stimulate new bone growth every time you bite down or chew. Over several weeks or months, the tissues eventually wrap around and then fully encompass the base of your restoration.

However, if you don’t have enough jawbone density to start with or your body doesn’t produce enough new bone cells, then your prosthetic might not heal correctly. If your implant feels loose or wobbles when you eat, talk, or touch it, it’s time to call your dentist!

Issue #2:  Severe Discomfort

After your surgical procedure, it’s normal to feel some swelling and throbbing as the anesthetics wear off. You can expect some aches for the first several days, but these symptoms typically peak after several days to a week and then begin to subside. Usually, taking over-the-counter medications like Tylenol or ibuprofen can safely reduce their impact.

If you experience severe or persistent pain that lasts longer than usual, there might be an issue with your implant. This type of discomfort can be caused by an infection, poor placement, and ill-fitting restoration, or other issues that require professional intervention. Contact your dentist so they can identify the underlying issue and provide some much-needed relief.

Issue #3: Gum Recession

One of the leading causes of implant failure is a form of gum disease known as peri-implantitis. When bacteria penetrate the tissues surrounding your prosthetic in your mouth, they become achingly swollen and infected. Then, if the condition is allowed to progress, they start receding away from your enamel to try to escape the illness.

Unfortunately, this leaves your teeth without a firm enough foundation to remain in place. Not only could your implant fail, but your natural teeth are also at risk of falling out.

Thankfully, your dentist has ways to help if your implant is failing, so the best course of action is to contact them immediately if you suspect something has gone wrong.

About the Practice

At On Point Dentistry, you and your entire family benefit from two experts who work together to provide a wide range of services to meet all your needs at one convenient location. Dr. Marco Caballeros and Dr. Carlos Parra are licensed experts who take the time to get to know your unique needs so they can customize treatment plans to meet them. Then, they utilize state-of-the-art equipment to deliver accurate, long-lasting results. They provide each stage of the dental implant process in the office, including the surgery, to streamline your experience. If you need to replace missing teeth, you can request a consultation on the website or call (469) 476-4092.