Dental implants are an effective way to give you back a full smile, but there’s a rare chance they fail. This can happen from gum disease, smoking, and poor oral hygiene, but there will be signs you should watch for. To help ensure you keep your restored grin in great shape, understanding the red flags can help you get the treatment you need. Here’s a guide to know.
Signs of Dental Implant Failure
This tooth replacement is held securely by a post placed into your jawbone. However, if it doesn’t fuse properly, then you may notice the fixture moving when you eat. This wobbling can also be painful. If your gums around the implant site are inflamed and red, then there may be bacteria attacking the supporting structures.
That said, if you just had your placement procedure, then feeling sore is normal. But if it’s worsening and persisting, then there may be an underlying issue at play.
Do You Need to Call Your Dentist?
With all that said, you should call your dentist right away if you suspect your dental implant is failing. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so having a visit can ensure you have nothing to worry about. Your provider is trained to spot the signs of failure and give you the effective treatment you need to save the tooth replacement. That way, you can continue getting good use of your restored grin.
How You Can Avoid Dental Implant Failure
In the end, dental implant failure is relatively rare. It happens in less than 5% of cases, but it’s important to avoid it nonetheless. Thankfully, by adding a few things to your routine, you can set yourself up for success. Here’s what to know:
- Brush twice and floss once daily to remove bacteria that can attack your gum tissue and jawbone in the first place.
- Quit using tobacco. Chewing and smoking it can lead to periodontal disease and weaken your immune system. You can talk to your dentist about their recommendations on how long you should stop before and after your placement procedure.
- Have routine checkups and cleanings with your dentist. Consistent visits allow your provider to monitor the state of your dental implant and ensure it is in great shape. That way, they stay strong for decades, and you get to flaunt a full smile for a long while.
About the Author
Dr. Daniel Weldon earned his dental degree from the University of Florida College of Dentistry. He has since taken advanced training, allowing him to complete the entire dental implant process in-house. By using state-of-the-art technology, you can trust that you will get lifelike results that are comfortable. If you’re worried about your tooth replacement failing, schedule an appointment or call Dr. Weldon’s office at 352-622-3236.