Dental Implant Failure & Salvage – Chesapeake, VA

Why Do Dental Implants Fail?

There are several possible causes of dental implant failure. One of the most common is an infection known as peri-implantitis, wherein bacteria attack the tissue around an implant and compromise its base of support. Missteps in oral hygiene are often to blame for peri-implantitis, but it may also be related to a compromised immune system and other factors. Another possible cause of failure is poor osseointegration, which means that an implant did not bond successfully with the tissue around it. Physical trauma, such as a blow to the mouth, can also endanger the long-term prospects of dental implants.

Symptoms of Failed Dental Implants

Early dental implant failure typically occurs within the first few months after an implant is placed in the jawbone, whereas late dental implant failure can occur any time after osseointegration — even years or decades later. That is why you should always monitor your oral health and let our team know if you suspect that there is a problem with your dental implants.

Here are some common symptoms of failed dental implants in Chesapeake:

• Unusual pain – Some discomfort is normal following the implant placement surgery, but if you are ever in severe pain, you may need professional care.
• Redness, swelling, or pus in the gums – These are signs of an infection around an implant.
• Difficulty chewing – After your implant restorations are in place, it should be easy for you to enjoy a robust diet. If you find it difficult to eat relatively tough foods, there might be a problem with your implants.
• An implant feels loose – In some cases, the looseness is due to an implant restoration that needs to be repaired or replaced. In other cases, the problem is directly related to the implant itself.

How Dental Implant Salvage Works

Our team hopes to be able to save your implants so you can continue enjoying your restored smile. When you visit us for your consultation, we will learn about your symptoms and use advanced technology to examine your mouth. Once we understand the problem and its cause, we will design a treatment plan to preserve your replacement teeth.

If the issue is not too serious — for example, if an infection is still in its early stages — we may be able to address it without any invasive intervention. Changes to your oral hygiene routine, along with antibiotics or other professional treatments, may be able to save the implant.

However, there are some cases in which we determine that an implant is no longer viable. We may have to remove it from the mouth and allow the tissue at the implant site to heal. After a few months, it might be possible to insert a new dental implant.