Dental implants are without a doubt one of the most revolutionary advancements in the history of dentistry. Not only do they almost fully replicate the look, function, and feel of natural teeth, but they have a very high success rate. This is especially true when they are placed by talented oral surgeons in The Bronx who have placed thousands of implants before.
Of course, there are times when dental implants fail. Estimates vary as to how often dental implants will fail. According to one piece of clinical research, failure rates can be up to 10%. Nevertheless, it should be noted that higher failure is typically associated with other factors, such as declining patient oral health and insufficient training. Therefore, getting dental implants placed by a highly trained specialist and following post-surgical instructions can reduce the chance of failure significantly.
What Does a Dental Implant Failure Mean?
You might be wondering what failure of a dental implant looks like. Dental implant failure can run the gamut. For instance, a patient with peri-implantitis usually experiences swelling, redness, discomfort, and maybe secretions and bad odors along the gums next to the implant.
These symptoms may indicate that bacteria has built up and is attacking the soft tissues. Or, the materials used to make the implant may not have been high quality and may have made it impossible for the implant to fuse with the surrounding bone matter.
Other indicators of implant failure involve the loosening of the implant. A properly placed implant should never move from side to side, even a little. It should remain solidly in place after it has osseointegrated with the bone. Any movement is a good reason to pick up a phone and call a trusted oral surgeon right away.
Remedies for Failing Dental Implants
Perhaps the best news of all for a patient with a failing dental implant is that the situation doesn’t have to end with the removal of the implant. Sometimes, an oral surgeon can solve the issue through immediate treatments. For example, in the case of peri-implantitis, the implant may be saved if the situation is caught early and the offending bacteria is removed.
In the event that a dental implant can’t be saved, the implant can at least be properly and surgically removed by the skilled hands of a professional oral surgeon. The oral surgeon can address any potential damage to the bone and gum, as well as prepare the jaw to receive a new implant in the future. Most dental implant patients who experience implant failure want to receive new implants despite the complications.
When Should You See an Oral Surgeon in The Bronx About Possible Dental Failure?
It can be very difficult to know if your dental implant has failed or not. That’s why it’s essential to stay in touch with the oral surgeon in the Bronx who placed it. Tell your oral surgeon about any changes that you have.
What happens if you received your dental implants from a dental provider and feel that the dental provider didn’t do a good job? At that point, you might want to do what Rod, one of our patients, did.
Rod was not originally a Parkchester Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates patient. Instead, he was a patient with a different oral healthcare provider. The provider sent him to our practice to receive an implant. During his first examination, our oral surgeon, Dr. Marlon K. Moore, DMD, realized that Rod’s existing implants were failing. Rod was experiencing a lot of pain, especially when putting force on his restorations. He agreed the best option was to replace everything.
Dr. Moore both removed the failing implants and replaced them with several new dental implants. As a result, Rod’s discomfort went away. His advice to anyone in a similar situation? “… visit Dr. Moore and he will take care of it for you.”
Talk to an Oral Surgeon in The Bronx About Suspected Failing Dental Implants
Dental implants should be a reason for you to smile, not grimace. If you are experiencing any of the following concerns with your dental implants—no matter who placed them—call Parkchester Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates right away at (718) 752-7397.
- Pain at the site of your dental implant that gets worse when chewing or eating
- Gum recession, redness, or swelling around your dental implant
- Blood or secretions coming from around your implant
- A loose implant
The sooner you get treatment, the better your mouth will look and feel. Call us today to get on Dr. Moore’s calendar in our office by the Bronx, NY.