So what are the signs of dental implant failure that you should be watching out for, and what do they mean?
What are the 3-Signs of Dental Implant Failure?
The three common signs of dental implant failure include:
- Feeling discomfort or pain. Pain can be a potential sign that something is amiss, but it can also be part of the healing process.
- Signs of swelling or inflammation. Some slight swelling immediately after implantation is normal, but if the gum tissues begin to look red and inflamed, it could be a sign of infection.
- The implant is loose. Feeling as if the implant is becoming loose in the jaw, or being able to wobble it.
A lot of this is down to common sense, as most people know when something is wrong with their teeth. A well-placed, healthy implant should feel exactly like your teeth, and you shouldn’t even be aware it is there.
If any of these dental implant failure symptoms, then seek advice as soon as you can from a qualified implant dentist. It might be possible to treat any infection with a course of antibiotics. It is vital not to ignore these dental implant failure signs as any infection could significantly damage your jawbone.
Taking Action Sooner Rather than Later
It is sometimes necessary to remove the implant, especially if it has become loose. Sometimes it may be required to have a bone graft if the infection has led to significant bone loss. Occasionally it may be possible to try to shore up a failing implant with additional bone grafts
Dental implant failure signs can occur soon after implant surgery. They also can occur years after the surgery. It is always best to seek help at the first sign anything may be wrong, regardless of how long it has been since the implant surgery.
Avoid the Risk of Implant Failure
Most implants will fail due to infection and inflammation, so proper oral care can prevent this from occurring. But if you are a smoker, have a compromised immune system or a systematic disease like diabetes, you have a higher risk of failure.
Then, of course, there is the choice of dentist, as choosing a highly qualified and experienced dentist will help swing the odds of success in your favor. When adequately carried out, the success rate of implant surgery can be as high as 98%, making the risk of incurring any dental implant failure signs remarkably low.
