What Are Some Signs of Dental Implant Failure?

Dental implants are currently the most advanced and revolutionary treatment for tooth replacement. But this means the stakes are higher than ever. Since dental implants involve replacing missing teeth completely, from root to crown, getting them means undergoing major oral surgery.

In fact, dental implant surgery is, in reality, a series of surgical procedures that require a highly trained and experienced periodontist in Oakville. In the hands of the right periodontist, you can regain your complete, healthy smile, and with it, the ability to eat, chew, bite, talk, and smile properly and confidently.

But even then, you can’t—and shouldn’t—ignore the risks of dental implants, and the very real, though very small possibility of implant failure. It’s important to know the signs of dental implant failure and what you can do to avoid this risk.

Are you thinking about getting dental implants in Oakville? A part of your thought process should be studying the risk of implant failure and its warning signs. Let’s talk about them.

Preparing for a Dental Implants: The Importance of Talking to Your Periodontist

Getting dental implants is a series of surgical procedures. The success of your dental implants relies on your health and fitness for the surgery, and the skill level and experience of your periodontist.

This is why it’s crucial to talk to your periodontist and learn about their approach to each component of the dental implant surgery—from assessing the health of the jawbone and recommending a bone graft, to watching out for signs of implant failure.

An experienced periodontist will only recommend dental implants if they have confirmed that you are a good candidate. More importantly, they will be there during recovery to identify and treat implant failure.

Signs of Dental Implant Failure

It’s important to note that while implant failure is a known complication of dental implant surgery, it doesn’t always happen. In fact, it’s quite rare, and the risk is significantly lowered by having an experienced periodontist perform the procedure.

Dental implant failure can occur in two stages. First, it can happen immediately after the procedure, such as when it doesn’t fuse in the jawbone. Meanwhile, late implant failure happens long after, when the implant has healed and the replacement tooth has been attached.

Here are the signs of dental implant failure to look out for:

1. Severe pain

Some discomfort and post-op pain is expected after any surgery, including dental implant surgery. In most cases, this can be managed with painkillers. If the pain persists or worsens and comes in throbbing waves, you need to call your periodontist, as severe pain can be a sign of implant failure.

2. Gum recession around the implant

If you have gum recession prior to dental implant surgery, your periodontist will likely recommend treatment. Receded gums are weakened and provide less support to teeth. But if gum recession is a recent development, you need to tell your periodontist right away.

The new onset of gum recession around the dental implant can be caused by poor positioning. You will notice that the crown or tooth appears longer, followed by inflammation. Your periodontist can reposition the implant and perform gum grafting if necessary.

3. Difficulty biting and chewing

Once normal post-op discomfort has subsided, you should be able to gradually regain oral functions. Keep in mind that dental implants are designed to help replace your missing teeth, so you should be able to bite and chew normally. But if you continue to experience difficulty biting and chewing long after the recovery period, it may be a sign of implant failure.

4. Swollen gums

Some swelling is to be expected immediately after dental implant surgery. It should subside in a few days or weeks as the implant heals. But if the swelling persists and causes inflammation, you likely have an infection. When left untreated, extremely swollen and red gums can result in an infection that spreads to the rest of the mouth and even the bloodstream, to dangerous consequences.

5. Shifting and loose dental implant

When properly placed, a dental implant should completely fuse with the jawbone and be securely anchored in place. It shouldn’t shift, become loose, or even have micro-movements. But if the implant is not securely in place, it can wobble while you bite, chew, or talk.

In other cases, the movement may not be as obvious but only visible with an x-ray. Both instances highlight the importance of properly caring for your implant and showing up to follow-up appointments with your periodontist.

6. Sudden allergic reactions

Dental implants are made of titanium alloy. Unfortunately, their life-changing benefits may not be suitable for everyone, since some people may be allergic to this material.This is very rare.

Don’t know if you’re allergic to titanium alloy? Common signs of allergies are swelling around the gums, a tingling sensation, and loss of taste. Sudden onset of allergic reactions may be a sign that your body is rejecting the implant, meaning it failed.

7. Teeth grinding

Lastly, did you know that grinding your teeth can indicate implant failure? Teeth grinding is often associated with stress, particularly at night during sleep. The constant pressure can also damage the bite.

However, if you have episodes of teeth grinding followed by persistent pain in the jaw, it may be a sign of implant failure. The persistent pressure makes it difficult for the implant to integrate with the jawbone. Talk to your periodontist right away so they can make sure that the implant is correctly aligned with the jawbone.

Detect Signs of Dental Implant Failure with Your Oakville Periodontist

While there are many signs of implant failure, it’s also helpful that with proper care, dental implants very rarely fail. In fact, they’re highly successful, and the only complete tooth replacement method. Of course, their success largely depends on choosing the right periodontist in Oakville—one that gives you all the information you need to care for your dental implants and ensure a successful outcome.

Our periodontists in Oakville gave you this guide, so you know what to watch out for throughout the recovery period and throughout long-term dental implant use. Knowing these signs can help you detect early signs, so you can call Periodontal Associates right away, and save your implant and maximize your investment. With their skill level and experience, you can trust that your dental implant surgery in Oakville is performed well, and you will be monitored closely to avoid implant failure.

Are you worried about dental implant failure, or have questions about your recovery from the procedure? Periodontal Associates is always available to respond to your concerns. Contact our periodontists in Oakville right away.