Dental Implant Failure & Salvage – Abington, MA

Dental implant failure is quite rare. In fact, according to some estimates, more than 98% of cases are successful. Most patients enjoy decades of benefits from their dental implants and implant-supported restorations. However, it is still wise to be aware of the signs of a failed dental implant in Abington and how our dental team may be able to address the problem. That is what we will discuss on this page.

Why Do Dental Implants Fail?

A few possible causes of dental implant failure include:

• Peri-implantitis. This is an infection of the tissue that surrounds an implant. It can become so bad that it actually destroys the implant’s base of support. Missteps in oral hygiene are usually the cause of peri-implantitis.
• Physical damage, such as that from teeth grinding or an accident, can seriously affect an implant’s long-term well-being.
• Health problems. A patient’s bone may fail to successfully fuse with the implant, or they may have other health problems that make it difficult or impossible for the implant to thrive.

Symptoms of Failed Dental Implants

Dental implant failure can be divided into two categories. Early failure occurs during the first few months after an implant is placed in the jawbone, while late failure can occur any time after osseointegration. It can even happen years or decades following the initial implant placement surgery.

Some possible signs of dental implant failure include:

• Pain and swelling. Some discomfort is normal after implant placement surgery, but severe pain or pain after you adapt to your implants are red flags.
• Other signs of infection. Pus, a foul taste in your mouth, and bad breath are all signs of a possible infection around an implant.
• An implant feels loose. In some cases, this issue just indicates that you need a new restoration. In other instances, there is a problem with the implant itself.
• Difficulty chewing. After you get used to using your implants, it should feel natural and normal to chew with them. Problems in this area warrant a visit to a dentist.

How Dental Implant Salvage Works

If you are worried that there may be a problem with one of your dental implants, schedule an appointment with our team as soon as possible. We will evaluate the problem and design a treatment plan. You might need a new restoration, or you may require treatment to reverse an infection. The sooner you seek professional attention, the more likely it is that it will be possible to save your implant.

If a problem is severe, we might need to remove the implant from your mouth. Then, after any infection is gone and you receive other necessary treatments, we might be able to insert a new implant. This type of dental implant salvage typically takes at least a few months.

You should not be overly concerned that your dental implants in Abington will fail, but if you ever do encounter a problem with them, our team is ready to help!