Dental Implant Failure & Salvage – Springfield, MO

Dental implants are an excellent solution for tooth loss, providing patients with durable and a natural-looking smile. While they have an impressive success rate of over 95%, there are rare cases where implant failure can occur. Although it’s uncommon, it’s important to understand the potential causes, recognize the warning signs, and know which steps can be taken to restore your smile. Should you have any concerns about the health of your implants or want to learn about your treatment options, don’t hesitate to contact us!

Why Do Dental Implants Fail?

One of the most common reasons for dental implant failure is an infection called peri-implantitis. This condition occurs when bacteria attack the surrounding gum tissue, leading to inflammation and damage. If left untreated, peri-implantitis can weaken the jawbone and connective tissue, ultimately compromising the stability of the implant. While poor oral hygiene is a primary cause, other factors can also contribute to failure.

Additional causes of dental implant failure include failed osseointegration (when the implant does not properly bond with the jawbone), physical injury to the implant or surrounding area, and medical conditions (i.e., cancer or autoimmune disorders) that affect the body’s ability to heal and support the implant.

Symptoms of a Failed Dental Implant

Dental implant failure can occur soon after placement or years later. Early failure happens shortly after surgery, while late failure can develop months, years, or even decades later. Paying attention to warning signs is crucial for addressing problems before they worsen.

Be on the lookout for these symptoms:

• Persistent or severe pain – Mild discomfort is expected after surgery, but ongoing or worsening pain could indicate a problem.
• Loose implant – If your implant feels unstable, it may be due to issues with the restoration or failure of the implant itself.
• Swelling, bleeding, or pus – These symptoms suggest infection and require immediate attention.
• Difficulty chewing – Once healed, your implants should function like natural teeth. Trouble chewing may signal a problem with the implant’s stability.

How Dental Implant Salvage Works

If you suspect an issue with your dental implants, contact our team as soon as possible. The sooner we assess the problem, the more likely we can save your implant. At Olson Family Dental, we’ll conduct a thorough examination to determine the cause of the issue and recommend the best course of action.

Treatment options may include a deep cleaning to remove bacteria and prevent further infection, antibiotic therapy to combat infection and inflammation, and other conservative treatments to restore gum and bone health.

For more severe cases, implant removal may be necessary. If this happens, we may recommend treatments like bone grafting or gum disease treatment to restore your oral health before considering a replacement implant. Before proceeding, we’ll discuss all available options so you can make an informed decision about your care.