Is Your Implant Causing Problems? Here’s What to Do Next
If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that dental implants are an amazing way to restore your smile. No one wants to suffer from missing teeth. And dental implants are at the top of the list of the best tooth replacement options.
Although dental implants have a very high success rate, sometimes patients encounter implant problems. When they do, and if it happens to you, be sure not to panic. Your team at Implant & Prosthodontic Specialists can help.
Common signs that something isn’t right with your dental implant.
As we said before, dental implants have a high rate of success, with a failure rate of only 3.11%. That’s pretty impressive. But things happen. And when they do, your mouth will usually provide a few clues.
If something feels off, pay attention. Here are a few signs your implant may need to be checked:
- Looseness or movement
- Soreness, swelling, or irritation around the implant
- Changes in your bite or unusual pressure when chewing
We always tell our patients that their dental implant should feel stable. In fact, it should look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth. So, if things start to feel different, that’s a sign you should give us a call.
What can cause a dental implant to loosen?
Though it is rare for a dental implant to come loose, there are some contributing factors that can make this more likely. In many cases, these situations can be avoided with proper dental care from your dentist and by following a good oral hygiene regimen at home.
When an implant feels loose, it is usually connected to one of the following:
- Bone loss related to gum inflammation
- Infection around the implant
- Excessive bite forces or teeth grinding
- Issues with the crown, screw, or abutment
Sometimes the implant itself remains secure in the bone, and the problem lies in the attached parts. Other times, the surrounding gum or bone needs attention. The only way to know for sure is to have it checked by a trained prosthodontic team.
What to Do if You Notice Dental Implant Problems
If you are feeling pain or discomfort in your mouth that just doesn’t seem to go away, regardless of whether you have dental implants, it’s best to check with your dental team. Your mouth isn’t supposed to hurt. Ongoing discomfort is your body’s way of waving a red flag.
If something feels off around your implant, try to avoid chewing on that side. Giving the area a break can help prevent further irritation while you figure out what is going on. And as tempting as it may be, do not try to tighten, wiggle, or adjust the implant yourself. That can make the problem worse.
We know we probably sound like a broken record when we say this, but please give us a call. Truly, that is the best way for us to help you. A professional evaluation allows us to pinpoint the issue and recommend the right next step before a small concern turns into a bigger one.
How Dental Implant Problems Are Treated
How we treat your specific dental implant problem will depend on your unique circumstances. If your dental implant is loose, we may take one approach, whereas if you have an infection, we’ll take a different path entirely. That is why a thorough evaluation is always the first step.
It all starts with an assessment of the surrounding bone and soft tissue. The goal here is to see if everything is healthy or not. X-rays and a clinical evaluation help us see what is happening below the surface. If there is bone loss or gum inflammation, we will explain what that means and how to address it before it progresses.
In some cases, it may turn out that the implant itself is stable, but something else, like the crown, screw, or abutment, needs adjustment or replacement. Other times, we focus on treating inflammation or infection with targeted care and close monitoring. The goal is simple. Identify the problem, fix what needs attention, and help you get back to feeling comfortable again.
Contact Implant & Prosthodontic Associates if you are experiencing a dental implant problem.
If your dental implant is loose or you are experiencing something else that is wrong with it, please know that we’re here to help. And it doesn’t matter if we performed your dental implant surgery or if you received your dental implants somewhere else. Our goal is to help you feel better so that you can take full advantage of your beautiful smile.
The entire goal of dental implants is to give you a smile you love, so why experience pain or a problem when you don’t have to? If your dental implants need some help, or you want to learn more about how dental implants can help replace your missing teeth, reach out today. It all starts with a consultation.
