Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth. They’re safe, secure, and effective if taken care of properly. However, even the best tooth restorations can fail if you fall short in maintaining them. Although implants are surgically placed into the jawbone, you may be doing something that is preventing it from staying in place. If your dental implant is failing, here are a few things you should to do prevent the situation for worsening.
What Are Dental Implants?
Missing a tooth? Dental implants are titanium posts that act as the root of the tooth and are secured in the jawbone. With proper healing, the tissue and bone will fuse together with the implant, and your artificial tooth root will look and act just like a normal tooth. Sitting on top of the implant is a customized crown that blends in beautifully with the rest of your smile.
Patients who receive dental implants can chew and eat like normal, and they benefit your overall health because you’ll no longer have an empty socket in your mouth. You can expect them to last for decades if the appropriate steps are taken to keep them clean and healthy.
What Should I Do If My Implant Fails?
If you think you may be experiencing dental implant failure in Tysons, you should contact your dentist immediately. The sooner you address the situation, the greater the likeliness they’ll be able to save the implant. Some signs it might be failing include:
- Loose implant
- Difficulty chewing food
- Pain near the implant
- Swelling around the implant
There are also many reasons why your implant may be failing, which can include everything from failure to fuse to the bone to an allergic reaction to the titanium implant. Whatever your dentist concludes is the reason for the failure will determine how it is treated.
- If the cause is due to gum disease, your dentist can perform a deep cleaning procedure to clean around the gum line to remove any plaque and tartar buildup.
- If the implant is damaged due to teeth grinding or other wear and tear, your dentist may suggest a bone graft to repair your jaw.
- If you smoke or have a weakened immune system, your body may not heal as quickly, and the implant may have difficulty fusing to the bone. This can cause it to fail and result in your dentist finding an alternative solution to replace the missing tooth and/or teeth (dental bridge).
How Can I Prevent it From Failing?
Maintaining a good oral hygiene routine is the first step to ensuring your implant last for decades. Since these artificial teeth are secured in place, you will treat them just like you do your normal teeth, so brushing and flossing are acceptable forms of cleaning. You should also be mindful of the following:
- Wearing appropriate dental gear to protect your mouth while playing sports.
- Watching what you eat, as bacteria can grow on implants just as it can regular teeth. Too much sugar or starch can break down the enamel and cause problems for your teeth and gums.
While most surgical dental procedures will face little to no issues, there are times when failure is a possibility. At the first sign of a problem, make sure to contact your dentist. Whether it is saving the implant or finding an alternative, your dentist will be able to offer a solution that best fits your dental needs.
About the Practice
Dent-Plant Dental Implant Center’s highly-skilled team of dental specialists can restore your smile using state-of-the-art technology. Providing permanent, affordable, and easy dental care, you can expect a pleasant and comfortable environment. To learn more, contact us via our website or by calling (571) 352-9006.