A loose dental implant can be unnerving, even causing some panic. This highly effective form of tooth replacement has a 95% success rate – one of the many reasons patients choose these prosthetics over dentures and dental bridges. Unfortunately, problems can still occur, although they are rare. If you begin to notice that your dental implant doesn’t feel right or is becoming loose, don’t assume all hope is lost. Learn what you can do to avoid potential failure and keep your tooth in place.
What Can Cause Dental Implant Failure?
Dental implants offer stability and durability once they integrate and fuse with your jawbone. This is what makes them unique – they provide full root-to-crown restoration. Yet, certain issues can arise that cause them to become loose, subject to disease, or even damaged.
Some of the most common reasons for dental implant failure include:
- Peri-implantitis: A bacterial infection that is similar to gum disease in that it attacks the gums around your dental implant. It can cause inflammation, irritation, and bone loss, making the implant unstable.
- Failed osseointegration: If your implant does not fuse with the jawbone, it will remain loose and unable to support the custom restoration.
- Facial trauma: An injury sustained to your face can cause your implant to become loose.
- Health-related disorders or conditions: Autoimmune diseases and conditions like diabetes can increase the risk of implant failure.
How Can Failure Be Avoided?
If you want to make sure your investment in dental implants does not go to waste, you’ll want to take the necessary precautions to safeguard your new smile. You can do this by:
- Taking proper care of your teeth and gums once your dental implants are in place. Whether you receive a single implant or a full arch, brushing, flossing, and rinsing are essential to avoiding peri-implantitis and other common dental problems.
- Continuing to see your dentist every six months for dental checkups and cleanings.
- Wearing a protective mouthguard if you like playing sports. You can also inquire about a custom nightguard if you grind your teeth at night while sleeping.
- Talking to your local physician about ways to monitor your health and if medications can be adjusted or changed to avoid it affecting your dental implants.
With these methods, you can be sure that your custom prosthetics remain firmly in place, allowing you to enjoy them for a lifetime.
About the Practice
Coombs, Ross & Sourlis Family Dentistry of Rock Hill is led by three talented cosmetic dentists who go beyond the baseline to deliver one-of-a-kind results. Offering dental implants to those dealing with an incomplete smile, we can make sure each case is completed successfully in addition to providing patients with aftercare instructions to minimize the chances of dental implant failure. If you notice something doesn’t feel right with your new prosthetics, contact us at (803) 592-6201.