Many dentists consider dental implants the gold standard of replacement teeth because of their unique advantages. Unlike dental bridges and dentures, these restorations include a titanium pole that’s inserted directly into your jawbone. As a result, they’re usually stronger and longer lasting than the alternatives.
Dental implants also have an incredibly high success rate of more than 90%, but that doesn’t mean they’re invincible. Although rare, your dental implants can develop an infection or sustain other damage that causes them to fail. Continue reading to learn 3 indicators that your new tooth needs help!
Sign #1: Aches
It’s considered normal to experience some throbbing and sensitivity after your implant surgery, but symptoms typically peak within 24 to 72 hours of your procedure and then gradually subside. Then, it can take several weeks to months for your gums to heal enough for your dentist to place your dental crown or other appropriate restoration on top of it.
Attaching this tooth-shaped cap is a straightforward process and isn’t usually painful. If you’ve experiencing discomfort in your implant, it could point to an underlying issue. For instance, the sensitivity could be due to an infection that has inflamed the tender connective or bone tissues surrounding your prosthetic.
Sign #2: Gum Recession
Did you know that the leading cause of dental implant failure is a form of gum disease called peri-implantitis? Your mouth is full of bacteria, and many of them contribute to oral issues like cavities and periodontal problems.
If germs penetrate the surgical site, they can cause an infection that may start small, but gradually worsens. Eventually, your connective tissues start pulling away from your enamel to escape the illness. Unfortunately, this leaves your prosthetic without a firm enough foundation to remain in place.
Sign #3: Wiggling
These restorations function as sturdy standalone structures because your jawbone eventually fuses with the metal rod. This makes them a permanent part of your smile and provides the strength and resilience they’re known for.
However, if your new tooth wobbles when you bite into anything or chew, or seems unstable if you press against it with your tongue or finger, it could be failing. You might not have enough jawbone density to maintain it or may not have produced enough new bone growth for your jaw to envelope the titanium pole correctly.
Contacting your dentist as soon as you notice any of these symptoms allows them to address the issue quickly to try to save your dental implant!
About the Practice
At Troisi Dentistry, you and your family benefit from a team of dentists dedicated to providing a complete array of services under one roof. Drs. Lucia and Claudia Troisi are a dynamic duo of sisters who work together to help people of all ages build and maintain happy, healthy teeth and gums. They take the time to learn about your unique needs so they can tailor treatment plans to meet them, including dental implants. Plus, they have the specialized training and state-of-the-art equipment to perform your surgery and restore your tooth in the office. To replace missing teeth, you can request an appointment on the website or call (757) 548-1611.