Dental Implant Failure and Salvage – Encinitas, CA

Preserve Troubled Dental Implants

Dental implants enjoy a remarkably high rate of success, but there are rare occasions when these appliances can become compromised. Luckily, the team at McElroy Smiles by Design is trained and equipped to repair damaged dental implants and protect your oral health. Here’s a brief guide to what can cause dental implants to fail and what we can do to address the issue.

Why Do Dental Implants Fail?

Lady in dentist’s chair has oral pain

Most cases of dental implant failure are caused by these two factors:

Peri-implantitis: This condition involves the gum and bone tissues supporting the implant being compromised by severe infections, and it is typically caused by poor oral hygiene or bad habits like smoking or excessive alcohol consumption.

Failed osseointegration: This happens when the dental implant does not fuse sufficiently with the jawbone, which leaves it with a compromised foundation. This can lead to it breaking loose during the chewing process or when exposed to pressure, and it typically happens due to the device being placed improperly or the patient having insufficient jawbone mass.

Certain medical conditions such as pregnancy, hemophilia, diabetes, and cancer can interfere with the healing process after dental implants are placed, which can make them more likely to develop complications.

Symptoms of Failed Dental Implants

Lady shows gum inflammation

A dental implant can potentially fail at any time regardless of whether it was placed recently or a long time ago. However, it may be more likely to happen to newer implants since they have not had the time to completely fuse with the jawbone yet. A few common symptoms of impending dental implant failure include:

  • Pain when chewing
  • Chronic pain around the implant
  • Swelling, bleeding, or pus forming around the implant
  • Inflammation or recession of the gums supporting the implant
  • The post of the implant moving loosely about in the gum tissue
  • Signs of infection such as bad breath or a sour, bitter, or foul taste in the mouth

How Dental Implant Salvage Works

Man smiles at dentist

If you suspect that your dental implant is about to fail, please do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with us so we can evaluate the situation and determine the best way to address it. If your implant is compromised by peri-implantitis, Dr. McElroy may be able to address the problem with deep cleanings or antibiotic therapy. If the problem is due to failed osseointegration, he may refer you to a trusted specialist who can reinforce your jaw with bone grafts.