Dental Implant Failure & Salvage Vancouver
Save Your Restored Smile
Dental implants are successful in more than 95% of cases, so you can be confident that your treatment will result in a strong and lasting smile. However, it is still important to acknowledge that rare circumstances can lead to a failed dental implant. What should you do if you ever believe that is happening to you? Contact our Vancouver dental team right away. We will assess the situation and advise you on your next steps. We want you to be able to get back to enjoying your restored smile ASAP!
Why Do Dental Implants Fail?
The most common cause of dental implant failure is an infection known as peri-implantitis. It occurs when harmful bacteria multiply in the mouth and sneak beneath the gumline. They can cause so much damage to the tissue around an implant that it eventually loses its base of support. Poor oral hygiene often contributes to the development of peri-implantitis.
Other factors that can play a role in dental implant failure include:
- Underlying medical conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes and certain types of cancer
- Failed osseointegration
- Injuries and accidents
- Severe teeth grinding
Symptoms of a Failed Dental Implant
Dental implant failure can happen at any time, so it is important that you remain aware of your oral health and pay attention to any significant changes. Here are some signs that you might have a failing implant:
- Pain or discomfort: Persistent pain at the implant site may indicate inflammation or infection.
- Swelling or redness: Swelling or redness around the gums near the implant can be a sign of infection or irritation.
- Bleeding: Bleeding from the gums around the implant, especially when brushing or eating, may signal an underlying issue that needs professional evaluation.
- Loose implant: If the implant or the restoration feels wobbly or unstable, this can mean the implant is not properly integrated with the jawbone.
- Gum recession: Noticeable shrinking or pulling away of the gum tissue from the implant may expose the metal post and compromise its stability.
- Pus or discharge: The presence of pus or unusual discharge from the implant site often points to infection and requires immediate attention.
- Difficulty chewing: Trouble chewing or biting with the implant could mean it is not functioning as intended.
How Dental Implant Salvage Works
If you notice negative changes in one of your implants, request an appointment with us right away. Remember that the sooner you seek care, the more likely it is that we can address the situation with relatively conservative means. Waiting may just allow the problem to worsen.
During your appointment, we will conduct a thorough examination and strive to pinpoint the cause of the problem. From there, we can advise you on your next steps. In some cases, relatively simple treatment is effective. For example, you might need antibiotics or a new crown. In other circumstances, we must completely remove a failing implant. Later, after a recovery period and any necessary additional procedures, you might be able to get a new one.