What Are Some Signs of Implant Failure?
It’s important to know what symptoms you’ll experience if your implants are failing so you can seek immediate help. The faster you act, the more likely your implant dentist in Windermere can salvage them. Some signs of early or late-stage failure or complications include:
- Inflammation of gums.
- Receding gums.
- Swelling around the implant.
- Loose implant or restoration.
- Severe pain or discomfort.
- Difficulty chewing.
The longer you brush off these side-effects, the more likely that additional complications will develop down the road, like permanent nerve or tissue damage. You can minimize your risk by continuing to practice good oral hygiene and visit your dentist every six months for checkups and cleanings.
What Can Increase Your Chances of Implant Failure?
There are several factors that can have an impact on the success of your implants. You can reduce your risk of complication by knowing what issues to treat or habits to stop before your implants are placed. Here are some reasons your implants can fail:
- Gum Disease. If you have gum disease, you’ll need to treat the symptoms before the posts are placed because it could spread to the implant site and lead to failure. Your dentist should let you know if this is a necessary preparatory procedure during your consultation.
- Smoking. Multiple published studies have shown that smoking can increase dental implant failure. How? It restricts the blood flow to your gums and can slow the healing process down. Your best bet is to stop smoking before your surgery to ensure their success.
- Eroded Jawbone. When you’ve had missing teeth for some time, your jawbone begins to slowly erode. If it’s not dense enough, your implants can become loose and unstable.
- Autoimmune Conditions. Medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes can impact the rate at which your body is able to heal. Certain medications associated with these conditions can also lead to implant failure.
The best bet to learn whether you’re a good candidate for dental implants or to get the treatment you need to ensure their success, is to schedule a consultation with your dentist in Windermere. They can inform you of any complications, give you aftercare instructions to help keep your replacement teeth in tip-top shape, and walk you through the process so you feel comfortable.
About the Author
Dr. Matthew McKissock has completed a year-long residency in general dentistry and has published an award-winning article in the Journal of the Academy of General Dentistry. He has also received advanced cosmetic dental training, and in 2008 completed a one-year Maxi-course for implant training from New York University. He is passionate about providing his patients with a comprehensive menu of services including everything from dental implants Invisalign. For questions or to schedule a consultation to replace your missing teeth, visit Windermere Dentistry’s website or call 407-909-1099.