Dental implants are impressively long-lasting. At the ten-year mark, implants have a success rate of 97% and can last for decades with good care. But sometimes, an implant or restoration (the part of the tooth you can see) fails. Your body will tell you if something is wrong. Take note if you have any of these warning signs:
- Pain around the implant site
- Swelling that persists
- A feeling of looseness
- A dull ache that lingers
- Redness near the implant
- Gums that are pulling away from the implant
What happens during those rare times when something does go wrong, and what should you do? Catching problems with your implant early makes all the difference!
Why Do Implants Fail?
The most common culprit of implant failures is peri-implantitis. This condition involves bacteria creeping beneath your gum line and attacking the bone supporting your implant. If you don’t get professional intervention, that bone starts to break down. If left unchecked, you could lose the implant entirely.
Other times, mechanical issues are the main causal factor. For example, this might entail a loose abutment or a cracked crown. Sometimes the implant itself never fuses properly with the bone during the healing process. The point is, each problem requires a specific solution. For every issue, the earlier your dentist can intervene, the better your outcome is likely to be.
How We Fix Implant Issues
The good news is that most issues can be caught before they become really serious. When you go to regular checkups, you give your dentist a chance to spot trouble brewing. At Hite Family Dentistry, we are always looking for subtle changes that you might miss at home. This might involve some inflammation or slight bone loss. Early intervention for these issues makes a huge difference.
When we do find a problem, our approach will depend on what specifically is going on. Sometimes all it takes is a deep cleaning around the implant site. We remove bacteria, smooth the implant surface, and give your gums a fresh start. You might need antibiotics or antimicrobial treatments to deal with an infection.
More advanced implant failure issues might require surgical intervention. You may need a bone graft to rebuild what you’ve lost. We may simply need to adjust or replace the restoration sitting on top of the implant. In the rare circumstance where an implant truly fails, we remove it, let the area heal, and start over with a new implant.
We’re Here When You Need Us in Edwardsville, IL
The key to maintaining healthy implants is to schedule and show up for regular dental cleanings and exams. And always contact your dentist if you have any concerns about your implant. Daily habits are also important. Brush and floss regularly, and follow your dental team's instructions for taking care of your oral health. Most implant issues don’t happen overnight. They develop slowly, giving your dental team plenty of opportunities to intervene.
At Hite Family Dentistry, we’re here to help you for the long haul. Whether it’s been 10 years since you had an implant placed or something’s gone wrong in the first few months, our team is in your corner. If you’re concerned about your implant, or it’s time for a regular cleaning, you can give us a call at (618) 656-9123.