Dental Implant Failure & Salvage – Alexandria, VA
Save Your Newly Restored Smile
Do you have concerns regarding your new dental implants? Implants have a high success rate of 95%, but there is still a small chance that your implants could fail. Fortunately, at Northern Virginia Oral, Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery, we may be able to save your newly restored smile with dental implant salvage treatment. If you notice that your implants feel uncomfortable or you have other concerns regarding your implants, give us a call so we can help.
Why Do Dental Implants Fail?
The most common cause of dental implant failure is peri-implantitis. This is an infection that occurs when harmful bacteria invade the tissue around the implants, ultimately causing damage. Ultimately, the jawbone and gums can deteriorate and no longer be able to support dental implants. Most of the time, peri-implantitis is caused by not maintaining excellent oral hygiene, but other factors can also contribute to this infection.
Another reason why dental implants can fail is due to failed osseointegration. This is when the dental implant and jawbone don’t fuse together as they should. Other causes include physical trauma and certain medical conditions, like cancer.
Symptoms of a Failed Dental Implant
No matter when you got your implants, dental implant failure can occur at any time. Here are some common signs that you should keep an eye out for:
- Severe/Unusual Pain: Soreness is normal right after your procedure. However, your implant should feel comfortable after you heal.
- Loose Dental Implant: In some cases, this can be a problem with the dental crown attached to the implant. In other situations, this could point to dental implant failure.
- Bleeding & Swelling: If you notice inflammation, bleeding, or pus in the area, you could be dealing with an infection. You should seek dental attention right away.
- Difficulty Chewing: When your implants are healed and you have received your replacement teeth, chewing should come with ease.
How Dental Implant Salvage Works
If you think that you may have an issue with one or more of your dental implants, you should give us a call. We can examine your smile, learn more about your symptoms, and discuss available treatment options. In some cases, we can save your implants with deep cleanings, antibiotic treatment, and other infection control methods. The faster you seek treatment, the most likely you can keep your implants healthy!