Dental implants are a great way to address the issue of missing teeth due to accident or injury, but they are not a solution that always “takes” after the initial implementation. It is normal for a dental implant to fail initially, but there are a number of ways to fix the problem before it becomes permanent.
The keys to successfully reversing a dental implant failure are to first identify the problem early and then to understand why it is failing.
What Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is exactly what it sounds like: a false tooth that is surgically implanted into the jaw and secured as a permanent fix for a missing tooth.
If the tooth is missing due to accident or injury, it may be that the surrounding teeth and tissue, including the jawbone, are healthy and viable. This is key to a successful dental implant. If the tooth was lost to decay and that decay has damaged surrounding teeth, tissue, or jawbone, then it may be more likely for the dental implant to fail.
What May Cause Dental Implant Failure?
In addition to the possibility of damaged tissue making it impossible for the dental implant to be successful, it is also possible that the implant was not seated correctly. It may also be that the wearer does not care for the site properly in terms of dental hygiene. If they avoid flossing or brushing the new tooth due to discomfort, germ buildup can occur, and the body may try to reject the tooth.
Can a Failed Dental Implant Be Saved?
There are a number of failed dental implant options, and each one will be specific to the cause of failure. For example, if the issue is a lack of dental hygiene, then fixing the problem may be as simple as better flossing and brushing around the new implant going forward.
If the dental implant was placed incorrectly or if there is an issue with any part of the implant, your dentist may be able to address the problem by fabricating a new crown, bridge, or denture and reattaching it. If the problem is caused by weak bones or damaged tissue, surgery may be needed, but even in this most extreme case, it is still possible for a dental implant failure to be reversed.
I Think My Dental Implant Is Failing. How Should I Proceed?
If you believe that your dental implant is failing for any reason, it is important to get back into the dental chair sooner rather than later. Early intervention is key for all possible issues that could be causing the implant failure, and the sooner you respond, the sooner you can get back to normal. Contact Dison Family Dentistry today to schedule an appointment.