Dental Implant Failure & Salvage – Putnam, CT
Saving Teeth For Longer-Lasting Smiles
Did you know that dental implants have a high success rate of 95%? Patients with one or more posts will rarely experience issues or complications. But if you notice pain, swelling, or a loosening of your tooth, it may mean that you have a failed dental implant in Putnam that needs to be fixed. Fortunately, our team has a solution that will not only save your smile but also ensure its longevity for the future – dental implant salvage. Call us today to schedule an appointment to learn more.
Why Do Dental Implants Fail?
During osseointegration, dental implant posts fuse with the bone tissues to create a firm foundation for a customized dental crown, bridge, or denture. However, issues can arise during this phase or many years after, such as:
- Peri-implantitis
- A weakened immune system due to smoking or excessive alcohol consumption
- Improper placement by an implant dentist
- Severe facial trauma
- Failed osseointegration
Naturally, you’ll need to choose an implant dentist who is skilled and experienced in placing dental implants, as this will minimize the potential for improper placement. However, you must also commit to maintaining your new teeth and oral health, as lack of brushing and flossing can cause peri-implantitis to form – a leading cause of dental implant failure.
Symptoms of Failed Dental Implants
If you don’t feel knowledgeable enough about the signs and symptoms of a failed dental implant, here are a few of the ones you should look out for:
- Your dental implant feels loose
- You notice pus forming around the implant, on the gums
- It becomes harder to bite down and chew
- You notice that there is swelling and/or bleeding around your implant
- Post-operative pain does not begin to dissipate after several days but instead continues to intensify
How Dental Implant Salvage Works
The moment you notice one of the above-mentioned problems, you’ll need to call our office to schedule an appointment. We will begin by examining your mouth and determining if your dental implant is failing.
Depending on the cause of the failure, we can implement various treatment options. For example, peri-implantitis is similar to gum disease, so if inflammation and infection are impacting your dental implant, we will need to administer periodontal therapy to eliminate the bad oral bacteria. If this can be accomplished without removing the implant, it will, but it’s not always guaranteed.
If you do not have ample jawbone to support the implant, a bone graft will need to be performed, but the implant post must be removed first. This will allow the area to heal properly before discussions occur about replacing your implant.