Dental Implant Failure & Salvage – Selbyville, DE
Restore Your Smile After Implant Issues
Dental implants are a highly predictable and long-lasting tooth replacement option thanks to the amount of planning and expertise that goes into them. Still, no treatment is completely risk-free. On the rare occasion an implant fails, it’s important to know that you’re not out of options.
At our Shelbyville practice, we offer implant salvage services to address the issue and preserve your smile. Whether it’s a loose implant, infection, or bone loss, Dr. Paul and Dr. James can help you return to a comfortable, confident bite.
Why Do Dental Implants Fail?
There are several reasons why a dental implant might not succeed. However, the most common issue is a condition known as peri-implantitis. This arises from poor oral hygiene, which allows bacteria to infect the area around the implant, eating away at the gum and bone tissues holding your implant. Other causes include:
- Inadequate bone density
- Smoking, vaping, or tobacco use
- Uncontrolled medical conditions, such as diabetes
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Improper implant placement or overload from biting forces
At Kramer Dental, we thoroughly assess each patient before treatment to minimize risk and provide long-term success with every implant.
Symptoms of a Failed Dental Implant
Dental implant failure can happen shortly after surgery (early failure) or years later (late failure). Either way, acting quickly is critical to saving your implant and preventing further complications. Keep an eye out for the following signs:
- Persistent pain or discomfort around the implant
- Swelling or inflammation in the gums
- Bleeding while brushing near the implant
- A feeling that the implant is loose or shifting
- Pus or discharge from the implant site
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Gum recession around the implant
If you notice any of these symptoms, call our Shelbyville dental office right away for an evaluation. Once we locate the root of the problem, we can work diligently to solve it before your prosthetic fails. Not only does this help protect your investment, but it also saves your oral health and keeps your smile looking its best.
How Dental Implant Salvage Works
If a dental implant begins to fail, simply taking action can make a big difference. So, once you feel something might be amiss with your smile, don’t hesitate to give us a call. It’s better to be a little cautious in the moment than regretful later.
Dental implant salvage is a treatment designed to save the failing implant or replace it if necessary. We’ll begin with a full exam and X-rays to find the root cause. Depending on the issue, we may:
- Deep clean around the implant
- Apply antibiotic treatment
- Remove infected tissue
- Regenerate lost bone or gum with grafting
- Remove and replace the implant if it’s beyond repair
The earlier we catch the problem, the more conservative the treatment can be. So, don’t delay. Let us help get your dental health and your smile back on track.