What Are The Signs of Dental Implant Failure?

If you have dental implants but are experiencing constant pain, there’s a chance your implants might be failing. It’s important to know the signs of dental implant failure because catching it can save you from more damage and expensive treatments. 

Dental implants should feel just like your natural teeth when they’re working properly. But sometimes, things can go wrong. 

In this blog, we’ll explore the signs of dental implant failure and what to do to protect your oral health.

Severe Pain and Discomfort

After the initial healing period, dental implants should not cause significant pain. But, if you are experiencing severe or ongoing discomfort around the implant, it could be a sign of dental implant failure. 

Gum Recession Around the Implant

Gum recession is when the gums around the implant begin to shrink and expose more of the implant post. This can lead to increased sensitivity and may make the implant more vulnerable to infection or loosening. Gum recession around an implant can be a sign of dental implant failure or that oral hygiene needs improvement.

Difficulty While Chewing and Biting

Dental implants are meant to restore the normal functioning of the teeth by allowing you to chew and bite without discomfort. If you find it painful or difficult to chew, this could mean the implant isn’t positioned correctly, or the bone around it may not be strong enough to support it.

Shifting and Loose Implant

A properly placed dental implant should feel secure. If your implant starts to feel loose or begins to shift, this is a serious sign of dental implant failure. This can happen if the implant isn’t fusing with the bone properly, a condition known as failed osseointegration.

Swollen Gums

It’s normal to have some swelling after getting an implant, but if the gums stay swollen for a long time or suddenly swell up, it could mean there’s an infection.

Implant Micro-Movements

Sometimes, dental implant failure isn’t easy to spot right away, but you might feel slight movements when you press on the implant. These tiny movements can mean the implant isn’t secure in the bone, which could lead to complete failure over time.

Sudden Allergic Reactions

Some people may have an allergic reaction to the titanium used in dental implants. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include swelling, loss of taste, and a tingling sensation around the implant. 

Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

Grinding your teeth puts excessive pressure on the dental implant, which might lead to failure over time. Grinding can cause the implant to loosen or shift, leading to discomfort and even damaging the surrounding bone and tissue. If you have bruxism, it’s essential to address it with your dentist to prevent implant failure.

Schedule an Immediate Appointment with Your Dentist

If you notice any signs of dental implant failure, contact your dentist right away. The sooner you get it checked, the better your chances are of fixing the issue before it gets worse.

Avoid Putting Pressure on the Implant Area

Do not chew on the side where the implant is located, and avoid touching or applying pressure to it. This will help prevent damage until you can see your dentist.

Maintain Proper Oral Hygiene

Keep the dental implant area clean by brushing and flossing carefully. Maintain good oral hygiene to reduce the chance of infection or other complications while you wait for treatment.

Use a Soft Diet

Eat soft foods to put less stress on the implant and help prevent problems from worsening.

Monitor for Changes

Pay close attention to any new symptoms or changes in the condition of the implant and surrounding area. Tracking these details can help your dentist diagnose and treat the problem.

Ignoring the signs of dental implant failure can lead to serious problems, such as:

Bone Loss:

If the implant is failing, it can affect the surrounding bone, causing it to weaken or deteriorate. This can make it harder to replace the implant later.

Infection:

An untreated failing implant can lead to infections, which might spread to other areas of your mouth or even beyond.

Increased Costs:

Delay in treatment can result in more complex and costly procedures to fix the problem or replace the implant.

Overall Health Issues:

Infections and other complications can impact your overall health and well-being.

Now that you are aware of the signs of dental implant failure, you can take action to protect your oral health. Monitoring for symptoms like pain, gum recession, or swelling can help you catch potential issues early. If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait—contact your dentist right away to address the problem before it worsens.

If you’re worried about dental implant failure, don’t wait—contact 5th and Olive Dental in Seattle, WA, for expert help. Our skilled team will evaluate your situation and offer tailored solutions to get your smile back on track. Call us now at (206) 340-2500 to schedule your appointment and ensure your dental health is in good hands!

The most common cause is poor osseointegration, where the implant fails to bond with the jawbone, or an infection known as peri-implantitis.

Implant failure can happen early, within the first few months or even years after the procedure, depending on factors such as health conditions, smoking, or poor oral care.

In many cases, a failed implant can be removed, and after proper healing, a new implant can be placed.