Dental Implant Failure & Salvage – Rio Rancho, NM

Save Your Newly Rebuilt Smile!

Woman in the dental chair with a toothache

Dental implants are a preferred option for replacing missing teeth. Because they replace the roots of the missing teeth and fuse to the jawbone via osseointegration, they have an incredibly high success rate of over 95%! When cared for properly, they can even last the rest of your life. However, there is still a very rare chance of dental implants failing. Continue reading to learn why this happens, some symptoms to look out for, and what to do if you find yourself in this situation.

Why Do Dental Implants Fail?

Dentist pointing to a dental implant model

The most common cause of dental implant failure is peri-implantitis. This is when bacteria and infection destroy the connective tissue around the implant and weaken the supporting jawbone structure. Typically, this is caused by poor oral hygiene and gum disease. To prevent this from occurring, it’s important to maintain an excellent oral hygiene routine and see your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups every six months.

Some other factors that can cause dental implant failure include injury, failed osseointegration, and certain medication conditions, like uncontrolled diabetes and osteoporosis.

Symptoms of a Failed Dental Implant

Worried woman in the dental chair

Dental implant failure doesn’t always happen right after placement. It can actually occur at any time. That’s why it’s always important to know which symptoms to look out for. Here are some that you should be aware of:

  • Pain and discomfort
  • Gum recession around the implant
  • Loose dental implant
  • Difficulty chewing
  • Gum inflammation

How Dental Implant Salvage Works

Man smiling in the dental chair

If you think there may be an issue with your dental implant, don’t hesitate to call us so we can check it out. After we examine your smile and talk about your symptoms, we can put together a treatment plan that is ideal for you. There are a variety of different treatment methods that could be necessary. The most common ways we address dental implant failure are through deep cleanings, antibiotic treatment, and other infection control methods. The sooner you reach out to us about your concerns, the better chance we have of saving your smile!