Recently received dental implants but are worried because something just does not feel right? While it is true that these permanent prosthetics have a high success rate that averages about 98%, there are instances when dental implant failure can occur. If you want to ensure the longevity of your new smile, a local dentist shares which signs to watch for that indicate a serious problem as well as what you can do to minimize your risk from the start.
Dental Implant Failure: Signs That Indicate There Is a Problem
Before discussing the different factors that can cause dental implant failure, it is important that you understand when it can occur. It is believed that between 5-10% of patients who suffer from this rarity typically experience it immediately following or months or years after undergoing dental implant placement.
Whether you experience early or late prosthetic failure, there are a few signs that can indicate there is a problem that requires immediate attention from a skilled dental professional:
- An infection develops near the surgical implant site
- Small movements by the implant due to a lack of stability
- An allergic reaction to the titanium implant posts
- A lack of foundational support because of a weakened jawbone
- Poor oral hygiene leads to infection
- Nerve and/or tissue damage that causes numbness of your tongue, lips, and gums
- Protrusion of a dental implant in DuPont into the sinus cavity
- Swelling, fever, and chills because the body does not accept the implant
- Facial trauma that causes the implant to become loose
Ways to Combat Dental Implant Failure
Undergoing dental implant failure is not an ideal situation, especially since this type of restorative process requires ample time and money. To avoid it altogether and keep your new teeth firmly in place, there are a few things you can do to better protect your smile, such as:
- Maintaining good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes, flossing at least once a day, and rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash
- Keeping your six-month dental checkups and cleanings with your dentist in DuPont
- Stopping the use of tobacco and/or smoking, as this can slow the healing process and cause osseointegration to fail
- Protecting your teeth by wearing a customized mouthguard to avoid facial trauma
- Eating a healthy diet and limiting your consumption of sugar and starch
- Breaking other bad habits (i.e., biting fingernails, chewing on pens and pencils, eating ice, etc.) to keep from damaging your smile
Being mindful of how you take care of your dental implants will prove beneficial in the long run. Not only will you avoid potential failure, but you’ll also enjoy a longer-lasting smile.
About the Practice
Dupont Family Dentistry has four dental professionals who all strive to meet the same goal, which is to help patients achieve happier, healthier smiles. When dealing with tooth loss, our team can provide a superior method of treatment that is viewed as the gold standard for tooth replacement. With dental implants, you can enjoy improved oral health, enhanced aesthetics, and a better quality of life. If you suddenly begin to experience problems with your prosthetics, however, contact us at (253) 964-7000 and let us provide the right method of treatment, so you can continue to enjoy your healthier smile.