Dental Implant Failure & Salvage Leesburg

Why Do Dental Implants Fail?

A failed dental implant in Leesburg may occur due to an infection called peri-implantitis. When bacteria invade the tissue around an implant, they can destroy the implant’s base of support. Fortunately, most cases of peri-implantitis can be prevented via diligent oral hygiene and regular dental visits. Implants may also fail because osseointegration does not occur properly. That is to say, they never fully bond with the bone around them. This may occur due to a patient’s physical illnesses or other factors. Additionally, trauma, such as what might occur from long-term teeth grinding, can play a role in implant failure.

Symptoms of Failed Dental Implants

Dental implant failure can be divided into two general categories: early failure and late failure. Early failure occurs during the first few months after the implants are placed in the jawbone, while late failure can happen any time after osseointegration. It may even happen years or decades after the implants are placed.

Symptoms of early and late dental implant failure are similar and include:

• Unusual pain. Some discomfort is normal after implant placement, but severe pain is a cause for concern.
• Swelling and/or pus. These are signs of infection. You might also notice a foul taste or odor.
• Implant movement. In some cases, a loose-feeling implant is simply a problem with the restoration. In other cases, the problem is related to the implant itself.
• Difficulty chewing. After you get used to using your dental implants, it should be easy for you to enjoy most foods. Problems while chewing might indicate that you need to visit a dentist.

How Dental Implant Salvage Works

If there is a problem with your dental implants in Leesburg, we will do what we can to solve the issue and preserve your restored smile. If there is an infection that is still in its early stages, we might be able to get it under control via a thorough cleaning of your mouth, antibiotics, and adjustments to your oral hygiene routine. If there is a problem with one of your implant restorations, we may be able to replace it without affecting the implant itself.

In other cases, the problem with an implant is serious enough that we must remove the implant altogether. Later, after your mouth has had an opportunity to recover from the surgery, it might be possible to place a new implant so you can once again enjoy all the benefits of strong, sturdy, and long-lasting tooth replacement.