Dental implants are one of the best investments you can make in your smile if you have one or more missing or failing teeth. They are the only permanent option and restore over 99% of biting and chewing power for normal eating. They also look incredibly natural and are custom-made to fit your smile. You most likely want to do all you can to ensure your dental implants remain healthy long-term. Be sure to stay on the look-out for these common symptoms of a failing dental implant:
- Gum swelling or bleeding around the dental implant
- Severe pain at the site that doesn’t go away
- Receding gums around the dental implant post
- Shifting, wobbly, or mobile dental implant
Treatment for Failing Dental Implant
One of the most common reasons for failing dental implants is peri-implantitis. This condition is similar to gum disease and can harm the health of your gums and bone, as well as cause dental implants to become loose. Peri-implantitis is an infection of the gum tissue resulting from a buildup of bacteria-releasing plaque and tartar. Treatment consists of removing the diseased tissues and bacteria, cleaning the dental implant post, and restoring bone if necessary.
How to Reduce the Risk of Failing Dental Implants
To ensure your mouth is in great shape, be sure to maintain a proper oral hygiene routine and regular visits to your dentist for cleanings. This reduces the risk of bacterial plaque and tartar buildup that infects the gum tissues. Other factors, such as smoking and diabetes, which compromise the immune system, can put you at a greater risk for dental implant complications. If possible, quit smoking and/or tobacco use altogether and work with your doctor to keep diabetes and other systemic conditions under control.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you’ve been noticing the symptoms of failing dental implants, don’t wait to contact your dentist! You’ll need immediate treatment to help avoid the removal of your dental implant.
