If you’ve received a dental implant, then you’re already aware of the multiple benefits its placement provides. Not only has it delivered aesthetic rewards, but by restoring your ability to eat the foods you love, it has made life much brighter. What are you to do, though, if the fixture begins to fail? Better yet, what are the symptoms of failing dental implants? As you continue reading, a local dentist provides the answers and explains what can be done to leave you fully restored.
Signs of a Failing Dental Implant
First things first: if you notice your dental implant is showing signs of failing, then don’t panic. Because the environment inside your mouth is so dynamic, it can wear down the fixture over time. Here are some of the warning signs you may notice:
- The implant is unstable.
- You have pain when you bite down into food.
- Swelling or infection develop around the treatment site.
If you notice any of the above, then you shouldn’t hesitate to bring it to your dentist’s attention. He or she will perform a thorough examination and capture X-ray images of the underlying bone to get a complete picture of what is going on.
How Can a Failing Dental Implant be Treated?
In some cases, your dentist may be able to make minor adjustment to the fixture. For more acute issues, the implant may need to be removed through a simple process that typically only requires local anesthesia.
To ensure the best results, the dentist will first make sure there is a sufficient amount of underlying bone. If the bone is intact, another implant can be placed. If, however, there are signs of bone loss, a grafting procedure can be performed to restore the necessary bone matter to allow for a new implant to be successfully inserted.
Take note that the entire process can take several months to finalize. This is a small price to pay, though, for a fixture that will be able to last for years to come.
How to Avoid Dental Implant Failure
Thankfully, there are several steps you can take to ensure your dental implant lasts longer. Here are a few important pointers to act upon:
- Avoid all tobacco usage, as it can lead to an infection, bone loss and other issues that can compromise your dental implant.
- Seek treatment for bruxism (teeth grinding) to avoid the dental implant failing due to additional stress being placed on the fixture.
- Avoid eating ice, biting fingernails and attempting to chew certain foods like nuts and hard candy.
- Maintain regular visits to your dentist for cleanings and checkups. Therefore, if there are any hiccups with your dental implant, they can be identified and addressed sooner than later.
If you suspect your dental implant is failing, reach out to your implant dentist today to request an appointment. Your proactive efforts will lead to many more years of smile bliss!
About the Author
Dr. Krista Cayo earned her dental degree from Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine. Throughout her career, she has remained steadfast in her efforts to provide her patients with the absolute best in dental care, which is why she has earned a certificate in Advanced Education in General Dentistry. Dr. Cayo places and restores dental implants at Cayo Dental Care, and she can be reached for more information through her website.
