Tooth implants are a great solution if you have missing or damaged teeth. However, occasionally, dental implants can fail. Understanding the reasons and the signs that your dental implants are failing can help you to take action to deal with this problem to have it corrected. Below is a guide to everything you need to know.
The causes of dental implant failure
Dental implants can fail for a number of reasons. The three primary reasons for dental implant failure are:
Rejection
Because dental implants are inserted into the jaw and gum tissue, they can be rejected by the body. Rejection occurs when your body's immune system reacts against the implant as a foreign body which has invaded the mouth. If rejection occurs before the implants have healed, this could be a result of an allergic reaction to the metal used in their manufacture. If rejection occurs after the wound has healed, it is likely to be a result of poor post-op oral hygiene.
Age
A dental implant can fail with age. If your dental implants were installed many years ago, they may not have benefited from the many advances in dental technology, and so they may not last as long as more modern implants.
Infection
Occasionally, the wound created by your dental implant can become infected. An infection will lead to pain and swelling. Eventually, an infection can cause an implant to fail.
The signs of dental implant failure
As someone who has dental implants, it is vital that you understand how to recognise the signs that they are failing. Below is a list of signs that your implants might be failing
- Your implants feel loose
- Your gums look red and swollen
- You feel pain when chewing food
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should contact your dentist today. Your dentist will assess each implant before recommending treatment.
How dental implant failure is treated
Dental implant failure can be treated in a number of ways. The method of treatment used by your dentist will depend on the cause of the failure. If the failure is occurring due to an infection, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics. If the infection can be treated, the implant may be saved. However, if the failure is caused by rejection or age, your dentist may recommend that the implant be removed and replaced with a new dental implant.
If you have any concerns about the health of your dental implants, you should contact your dentist today.
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