You are well on your way toward a renewed grin after your dental implant placement. It takes several months for them to fuse to your jawbone, and you are likely to find yourself at the outstanding 95% success rate! However, there is a rare chance you find yourself in a small group of people where it fails. Keep reading to learn how you can spot the early warning signs of it and what you can do to avoid it.
Is My Dental Implant Failing?
There are a myriad of different reasons why a dental implant can fail. The most common culprits are often gum disease, poor oral hygiene, and smoking. Regardless, they come with symptoms that you should be aware of, such as:
- Your dental implant may feel wobbly. You may experience it more when eating, but this happens when the post doesn’t fuse properly. You’ll likely have trouble chewing because of the movement.
- You feel worsening and persistent discomfort after your procedure. While some soreness is expected, if it doesn’t seem to be getting better, it’s important to call your dentist.
- Your gums around the implant site are red and inflamed. This can happen because of the bacteria in your mouth causing trouble.
Should I Call My Dentist?
In short, it’s important you call your dentist right away if you notice any of the signs above! Visiting them as soon as possible can give you a greater chance of salvaging your dental implant. They are trained to look for signs of failure and fix the problem. They will come up with a treatment plan that not only allows you to protect the investment in your smile but also helps it be more stable.
How Can I Prevent Dental Implant Failure?
If you are worried about your treatment failing, then you may be relieved to hear that preventing it is an easy process! Here are some simple tips:
- Keep up with your oral hygiene by brushing twice and flossing at least once a day. Rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash will help ensure that you get rid of harmful bacteria that can threaten your dental implant.
- Avoid using tobacco, as it can increase your risk of gum disease.
- Have consistent visits with your dentist. They will do their best to make sure your restored smile is the best it can be for decades to come.
About the Practice
At Vista Dental Care, you benefit from the compassionate leadership of Dr. Robert Vong and Dr. Dennez Avendano. With their knowledge and expertise, we can complete the entire dental implant process under one roof, meaning you stay with a team you trust every step of the way. We use state-of-the-art technology to ensure your treatment is as effective and comfortable as possible. If your tooth replacement is feeling wobbly, schedule an appointment or call our office at (775) 626-3535.