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When you lose a tooth, whether from an accident, decay, or an illness, it can really knock your confidence. Dental implants are strong, lasting, and look great, helping you feel good about your smile again.
Most of the time, dental implants are a huge success. Sometimes, a dental implant can fail. It’s a tough situation, but it’s crucial to remember that solutions exist, and seeking help promptly can make a significant difference. Read on to understand what implant failure signs to look for, and know how to fix dental implant problems so you can put your mind at ease.
Why Do Dental Implants Fail? Common Causes of Dental Implant Failure
Understanding the causes of dental implant failure can help you understand what might be happening and how we can best address it. While dental implants are very reliable, several factors can contribute to complications.
1. Peri-Implantitis (Infection)
The tissues around a dental implant might become inflamed with peri-implantitis. It is comparable to periodontitis, a condition that damages natural teeth. It may result in bone loss surrounding the implant if left untreated, which might cause it to become loose and finally collapse.
Because germs and plaque can accumulate around the implant, poor oral hygiene is a significant contributing factor. Additionally, smoking greatly raises the risk.
2. Lack of Osseointegration
This refers to the process where the titanium implant fuses directly with your jawbone. It’s a critical step for the implant’s stability. If this process doesn’t happen correctly, the implant won’t be stable enough to support a crown. Numerous factors, including inadequate bone density, insufficient surgical skill, or certain medical problems that impact bone healing, might cause this.
3. Insufficient Bone Density
There must be sufficient healthy jawbone to support an implant for it to be successful. If there isn’t enough bone or if the bone quality is poor, the implant may not integrate properly or might become unstable over time. Sometimes, a bone graft can address this issue before implant placement.
4. Improper Placement
While rare with an experienced professional like Dr. Chace, incorrect surgical placement can lead to problems. If the implant isn’t positioned correctly, it can put undue stress on the surrounding bone or nerves, leading to complications.
5. Excessive Force or Grinding (Bruxism)
An implant that has already been integrated may be harmed or improperly healed if you grind or clench your teeth on a regular basis, especially at night. This stress can lead to bone loss around the implant. Wearing a nightguard can often help manage this.
6. Systemic Health Conditions
Certain medical disorders can impact your body’s ability to fight infection and recover, thereby increasing the risk of implant failure. These include autoimmune disorders, uncontrolled diabetes, and ailments that call for drugs like bisphosphonates. Because smoking hinders blood flow and healing, it is also a major risk factor.
7. Allergic Reaction
Although very rare, some people might have an allergic reaction to titanium. However, titanium is highly biocompatible, making this an extremely uncommon cause.
8. Nerve or Tissue Damage
During the surgical procedure, there’s a slight risk of damaging nearby nerves or blood vessels. While Dr. Chace takes every precaution, such damage can sometimes lead to chronic pain or numbness, which might necessitate implant removal.
Understanding these potential causes helps Dr. Chace determine the best course of action to address dental implant problems if they arise.
How to Fix Dental Implant Problems?
If you suspect your dental implant is failing, the most crucial step is to schedule an appointment with Dr. Chace at Gentle Dental Associates in Melbourne, FL. He’ll carefully examine your implant, take X-rays, and discuss your symptoms to determine the exact cause of your issue.
The good news is that many dental implant complications can be treated, especially when caught early. Failed dental implant solutions vary depending on the cause and severity of the problem:
Treating Infection (Peri-Implantitis)
If an infection is present, treatment will focus on clearing it up. This might involve:
- Thorough Cleaning: Dr. Chace will carefully clean the implant surface and surrounding tissues to remove bacteria and plaque.
- Antibiotics: Oral antibiotics or a local antibiotic applied directly to the site might be prescribed to combat the infection.
- Surgical Debridement: In more advanced cases, a minor surgical procedure might be needed to access the infected area, clean it thoroughly, and sometimes regenerate lost bone or gum tissue around the implant.
Bone Grafting
If there’s bone loss around the implant, a bone graft procedure might be performed to rebuild the supporting bone. This can help stabilize the implant or prepare the area for a new implant if the current one needs to be removed.
Replacement of the Crown
Sometimes, the implant itself is fine, but the crown attached to it has become loose or damaged. In these cases, simply replacing or re-cementing the crown can solve the problem.
Occlusal Adjustment or Nightguard
To protect your implant and natural teeth from excessive force, Dr. Chace may propose a custom nightguard or alter your bite (occlusion) if clenching or grinding your teeth is causing too much stress on the implant.
Implant Removal
In some unfortunate cases, if the implant is severely compromised, infected beyond repair, or hasn’t integrated with the bone, the best solution might be to remove it. This isn’t the end of the road for tooth replacement, though. Once the area has healed and any underlying issues are addressed, it’s often possible to place a new implant or explore other tooth replacement options.
Remember, early intervention is critical. Don’t wait for the problem to worsen. Don’t Wait, Fix Your Dental Implant Issue Today.
Choosing the Right Team for Your Dental Implants in Melbourne, FL
Getting Dental Implants in Melbourne, FL, or dealing with a potential implant complication highlights the importance of choosing an experienced and caring dental team. At Gentle Dental Associates in Melbourne, FL, Dr. Chace has extensive experience with dental implants, from initial placement to addressing any issues that might arise.
If you’re considering dental implants or have concerns about an existing one, we’re here to help. We’ll take the time to answer all your questions, explain your options, and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan. Contact us today!
