How Can I Tell if My Dental Implants Are About to Fail?

Dentists consider dental implants to be the best way to replace lost teeth because they look, work, and feel just like the real thing and can last for decades or even a lifetime if they receive excellent care. However, an implant may fail for reasons like infection and injury. Here’s a brief guide to what causes dental implants to fail as well as how to recognize a few signs that your restorations require a dentist’s attention.

What Can Cause Dental Implants to Fail?

While dental implants are remarkably durable, they can fail for reasons like:

• Gum disease: Infections of the gum tissue can destroy the structures supporting your restoration and are the leading cause of implant failure.
• Oral injuries: A blow to the face or the stress caused by using your smile to open packages or bottles can cause a dental implant to loosen or break.
• Poor oral hygiene: Failing to brush and floss your implant as needed can lead to oral infections and injuries that compromise your restoration.
• Smoking: Tobacco use is horrible for dental implants because it causes the gum tissues to frequently harden in defense, which exhausts them, and inhibits the gums’ ability to heal and fight infections. It’s best to refrain from smoking if you’ve received implants.
• Excessive alcohol consumption: Drinking too much alcohol can cause dry mouth and irritate the gum tissue, which can lead to periodontal disease that can compromise your implant.

How Can I Tell if My Implant Might Be Failing?

A failing dental implant can reveal itself through several symptoms like:

• Looseness: If your dental implant is moving around inside the gum, it may be coming loose from the soft tissue and bone structure supporting it. However, if your dental crown, bridge, or denture is moving around upon the implant, you may just need to have the restoration repaired or replaced.
• Pain: A failing dental implant can stress the bone and soft tissues surrounding it during the chewing process, resulting in sensitivity or pain.
• Signs of infection: Swelling, a sour or bitter taste in your mouth, bleeding gum tissue, and fever may all be signs of an oral infection that can harm your dental implant.

If you believe your dental implant is failing, contact your dentist for help. They may be able to perform treatments such as periodontal therapy to restore the health of your implant or recommend replacing it.

About the Author

Dr. David R. Lloyd earned his dental degree at the Emory University School of Dentistry and completed his General Practice Residency at Naval Hospital-Oakland. He is proud to serve as a member of the Florida Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the American Dental Association. His office in Daytona Beach offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as dental implant services. If you believe your implant is failing, dial (386) 253-3629. For more information, contact the staff online.