Dental Implant Failure & Salvage – Gilbert, AZ
Preserve Dental Implants with Failure and Salvage Treatment
Dental implants have earned the reputation of being very successful and reliable, even in the long term. Unfortunately, however, on the rare occasion that your dental implant begins to fail, Dr. Condie may be able to help get your smile back on track with dental implant salvage treatment.
Why Do Dental Implants Fail?
There are many reasons why a dental implant may fail. The most common cause, however, is a condition called peri-implantitis. This occurs when bacteria and infection destroy the connective tissue around your dental implant, weaking the supporting jawbone structure. Typically, this is caused by poor oral hygiene and gum disease.
In addition to peri-implantitis, other causes of dental implant failure include things such as injury, failed osseointegration (where the bone heals around the dental implant), and various medical conditions. It is also common with patients who are undergoing radiation therapy for head or neck cancer.
Symptoms of a Failed Dental Implant
Dental implant failure can occur at any time, not just when you first get your dental implants. Early failure typically occurs during the healing period after placement, while later failure can develop many years or even decades after your treatment. Common signs of dental implant failure include:
- Loose implant, especially when eating or speaking.
- Redness, swelling, or pain around the implant site.
- Infection at the implant site.
How Dental Implant Salvage Works
Even if you aren’t sure your dental implant is failing, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr. Condie if you even slightly suspect there could be a problem. The earlier any issues are caught, the easier and less expensive it usually is to treat.
Dental implant salvage aims to save your failing implants. Often, this will require removing the implant and surgically reimplanting it, but please be aware that you may require preliminary steps first, such as a bone graft or sinus lift.
Dental implant salvage will be like your original treatment, requiring a healing period for osseointegration following the procedure. During this time, you will need to abide by the aftercare instructions and eat a soft diet, avoid smoking, and take proper care of your dental implant by brushing and flossing.
