Dental implants are the ideal form of tooth replacement because they precisely mimic natural pearly whites in feeling, appearance, and function. While these devices boast an impressive success rate of over 95% even after ten years have passed since they were placed, they are not invincible and can fail due to damage or infection. Here’s a brief overview of a few troubling signs that say your implant may be about to fail so you can have the issue promptly addressed by a qualified dentist.
Your Implant Feels Loose
While teeth are designed to move slightly as they work around food matter during the chewing process, your natural and artificial pearly whites should always feel quite stationary in your mouth. A loose adult tooth or dental implant counts as a dental emergency since it is at immediate risk of being lost. However, some cases of loose dental implants are more urgent than others. For example:
- If the restoration mounted on your implant is the only thing moving, the titanium post supporting it is probably fine. This issue can typically be addressed by fixing the restoration back in place or replacing it if it is not in good shape.
- If the titanium post is moving about in the gum tissue, your implant is probably breaking away from your jawbone due to infection or injury. In this case, the whole implant may need to be replaced after the patient receives bone grafts or restorative treatments.
Signs of Infection
Gum disease is one of the leading causes of implant failure, and it can be almost imperceptible when it starts. Gingivitis, the first stage of the infection, typically shows itself through redness, tenderness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums, and it can usually be reversed with improved oral hygiene if it is detected in time. If left untreated, it will eventually turn into its much more severe form called periodontitis, which causes permanent damage that can compromise your implant. Be on the lookout for signs of infection like:
- A foul taste in your mouth
- Bad breath
- A warm, soft bump on your gums
- Gum recession
- Fatigue
- Sweating
- The dental implant feeling loose
With excellent care, your dental implants may be able to last for several decades or even a lifetime. Seeking help from your dentist when you need it will help you keep your natural and artificial teeth in great shape for the longest possible time.
About the Practice
Dr. Carlisle Vason earned his dental degree at the Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University where he earned the Junior Esthetic Dentistry Award and the Senior Comprehensive Case Award. He is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association, the Georgia Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry. His office in Atlanta offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as implant services. If you are worried about losing a dental implant, contact his office online or dial (404) 367-9799.