Got your new dental implants? Well, congratulations! It’s a big step—an investment that will keep that healthy smile shining for at least 10 to 20 years. That’s almost equivalent to a lifetime of having a functional set of teeth.
The truth is, dental implants are highly successful with an average success rate of 97% (at 10 years and 75% at 20%).
But like any procedure, they’re not completely free of potential issues. That’s why it’s so important to understand the signs of implant failure and what you can do to prevent them.
At Upland Dental Practice, we’re here to help you navigate any worries you might have. While dental implant failure is rare, it’s still essential to learn the signs to help you act quickly if something doesn’t feel right. Let’s talk about what to watch for, how to prevent problems, and when to call us for help.
Recognizing the Signs of Dental Implant Failure
Anything that feels off with your dental implant requires immediate attention. A dental implant procedure is a highly invasive treatment, covering complex techniques that might irritate gum tissues or cause infection.
Here are some common signs that may indicate dental implant failure:
Persistent Pain or Discomfort
A study found that out of all patients who received dental implants, about 2.8% experienced infections after the procedure. This means that for every 100 patients, around 3 might develop an infection.
Pain during the healing process is normal, especially in the first week after your procedure. However, if you notice intense, throbbing pain that doesn’t improve—or starts weeks after your implant—it’s time to consult your dentist. Pain like this could point to an underlying issue, such as infection or improper placement.
Gum Recession Around the Implant
Have you noticed that the crown on your implant looks unusually long? Or perhaps your gums around the implant feel tender or swollen? Gum recession (the gum tissue pulls away from the tooth) can occur if the implant isn’t positioned correctly or if there isn’t enough healthy gum tissue to support it.
Experts suggest that factors causing gum recession include the size of the implant, the thickness of the gums (gingival biotype), the surgical technique used, and the reason the tooth was lost in the first place.
Trouble Chewing or Biting
Your implants mimic how natural teeth work. Normally, you should be able to bite and chew your food seamlessly or efficiently a week after your implant procedure. While changes in your chewing patterns may change during the initial phase of your healing process, it shouldn’t hinder you from living a normal life. You should also be able to notice signs of improvement two to three weeks after your procedure.
If you experience pain or difficulty when chewing, biting, or speaking, this could be a sign that your implant hasn’t fully integrated into your jawbone, causing it to look and feel loose.
A Loose or Shifting Implant
Your dental implant should feel secure and stable. If it wobbles or shifts when you touch it or eat, it could mean the implant hasn’t properly fused with your jawbone. Left untreated, a loose implant can lead to bigger problems, including damage to surrounding teeth or gum tissue.
Swollen or Inflamed Gums
Invasive dental procedures such as tooth extractions and dental implants most likely cause swelling as they cause physical trauma or stress to your mouth’s surrounding tissues.
For most people, swelling peaks about 48-72 hours after the procedure and gradually subsides over the next few days. Most of the time, applying ice packs near the extracted area would do the job of minimizing the swelling. Now, you should watch out when swelling worsens or your gums become red and inflamed, it could indicate an infection. An untreated infection can spread to other parts of your mouth—or even your bloodstream.
Implant Micro-Movements
Sometimes, implants fail to integrate fully with the jawbone, especially if the bone isn’t strong enough to support the procedure. This can lead to tiny movements that might not be immediately noticeable. Your dentist can use imaging tools to detect these subtle shifts.
Allergic Reactions
According to a study, titanium (Ti) hypersensitivity, though supported by limited evidence, is a potential concern and should not be overlooked. Allergic reactions caused by titanium implants can produce noticeable symptoms and tissue changes that are characteristic of allergic responses.
Symptoms like swelling, a tingling sensation, or even a loss of taste could signal a reaction. If you suspect this, let us know right away.
What Causes Dental Implant Failure?
Implant failure is often preventable with the right care and preparation. Here are some common factors:
- Poor placement or angulation: Proper technique is essential for a secure implant.
- Infections like peri-implantitis: This can result from poor oral hygiene or smoking.
- Systemic health conditions: Diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and smoking can impact healing.
- Bone density issues: Insufficient bone support can prevent the implant from integrating.
- Using substandard materials: High-quality materials matter for long-term success.
What to Do If You Notice a Problem
As discussed, most dental implants are incredibly successful 97% all the time—most of them lasting for decades with proper care.
If you’re experiencing any signs of dental implant failure, don’t panic! The first step is to contact our team at Upland Dental Practice. We’ll perform a thorough evaluation, which may include imaging to assess the implant and surrounding tissue.
Treatment options vary depending on the issue. For example:
- Infections can often be treated with antibiotics and deep cleaning.
- Loose implants may require a bone graft to stabilize the area before re-implantation.
We understand how much trust you place in us when it comes to your smile. That’s why we’re committed to providing expert care, from consultation to long-term follow-up. We use state-of-the-art equipment, and our compassionate team will walk you through every step of the process.
Dental implants are a wonderful investment in your oral health and confidence. By staying informed and proactive, you can protect your smile for years to come. If you have questions or concerns about your dental implants, don’t hesitate to call us.
Schedule an appointment today with Upland Dental Practice—we’re here to keep your smile healthy and bright!
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