Dental Implant Failure & Salvage Walnut Creek
Renew Your Restored Smile
Dental implants boast an impressive success rate of more than 95%. However, in rare instances, they do fail. If you ever suspect that is happening to you, contact our Walnut Creek dental team right away to request an appointment for dental implant salvage. After we examine your mouth and determine the cause of the problem, we will do all we can to renew your restored smile so you can get back to enjoying a strong and healthy set of teeth.
Why Do Dental Implants Fail?
Peri-implantitis is one of the leading causes of dental implant failure. This condition is a form of gum disease that occurs around the implant, characterized by inflammation and infection of the surrounding tissues. Left untreated, it can lead to bone loss and eventual destabilization of the implant.
Other potential causes of dental implant failure include:
- Bruxism (teeth grinding): Excessive force on the implants caused by grinding or clenching can weaken them.
- Other types of injuries: An accident or fall might damage the jawbone or the implants embedded in it.
- Systemic conditions: Health issues like uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune disorders might interfere with healing and osseointegration (the process of the implant bonding with the surrounding tissue).
- Smoking: Smoking reduces blood flow to the gums, impairing healing and increasing the risk of failure.
Symptoms of Failed Dental Implants
Remember that they can fail at any time, even months or years after the initial placement surgery. By monitoring your mouth for unusual changes, you can catch potential issues early on and take timely action. Here are some of the most common signs and symptoms of a failing implant:
- Persistent pain or discomfort around the implant site, especially after you have healed from the placement surgery.
- Swelling or inflammation of the gums near the implant.
- Unexplained bleeding that does not resolve with proper oral hygiene.
- Loosening or instability of the implant.
- Difficulty chewing or biting.
- Visible bone loss or receding gums around the implant.
- Any unusual discharge, such as pus, near the implant area.
How Dental Implant Salvage Works
Request an appointment with us as soon as you believe there is a problem with one of your implants. The earlier you receive care, the more likely it is that the issue can be addressed via conservative means.
After we examine your mouth, we can advise you on your next steps. You might need something relatively simple, such as a new restoration (crown, bridge, or denture) or a course of antibiotics. In some cases, though, it becomes necessary for a failing implant to be completely removed. Later, after a healing period and any necessary additional care, you may qualify to receive a new one.