Dental Implant Failure & Salvage – Bettendorf, IA
Saving Your Replacement Teeth
Once you receive dental implants, you can count on your new teeth to be generally successful in the long run. However, even though the chance of dental implant failure is lower than 5%, it’s still a risk that you should be aware of. On the rare occasion that a patient experiences a failed dental implant in Bettendorf, we ask that they call Pleasant Valley Dentistry as soon as possible. With early intervention, Dr. Pogue will be more likely to save your new smile by performing dental implant salvage.
Why Do Dental Implants Fail?
It’s possible for dental implants to fail at any point after they have been placed. Short-term dental implant failure usually occurs when the jawbone is unable to fuse with the implant posts. This process, called osseointegration, normally takes about six months. If it hasn’t happened by that point, the implant is considered failed and will need to be removed. Certain medical conditions (including some autoimmune diseases) and tobacco use can make osseointegration less likely to be successful.
After several months or years have passed, the most common reason why dental implants in Bettendorf fail is an infection in the gums. Peri-implantitis is a form of gum disease that specifically affects the tissue surrounding dental implants. The infection commonly develops from a lack of good oral hygiene. Without treatment, bacteria can destroy the gum tissue and even the bone holding the implants in place, causing them to fail.
Signs of Failed Dental Implants
A failed dental implant might be difficult for you to notice at first. Because oral health problems like dental implant failure tend to get worse over time instead of resolving, acting quickly is the best way to handle the situation. If you feel that anything is amiss with your implant, don’t be afraid to reach out to our Pleasant Valley Dentistry team as soon as you can. Definitely contact us if you experience any of the following:
- Pain near your implant, especially when biting down.
- Swelling, tenderness, or redness in the nearby gums.
- Receding gums.
- Persistent bad breath or foul taste in the mouth.
- Feeling that your implant is loose or unstable.
How Dental Implant Salvage Works
The earlier that a problem with a dental implant is caught, the easier and more cost-effective it will be to address. The exact treatments Dr. Pogue will recommend depend on the extent of the damage. If we catch it early enough, we may be able to treat the area around the implant without removing the post. For more severe cases, we might have to extract the implant and treat the underlying infection before another implant can be placed. Whatever your circumstances, our team will fully explain your options and make sure you receive the treatment that is best for your unique smile.