Failing Dental Implants

Dental Implant Solutions in Williamsville NY

Dental implants have an outstanding success rate, but there are certain unfortunate circumstances that can lead to their failure. One of the most common dental implant complications in Williamsville, NY is peri-implantitis, an infection of the gum tissue around a dental implant. Much like gum disease, peri-implantitis is caused by bacteria-releasing plaque that builds up along around the gums and implant and causes infection and inflammation. When this happens, your dental implant is at risk of failing if timely and comprehensive treatment is not completed. Thankfully, peri-implantitis can be successfully reversed and the health of your dental implants and smile restored with specialized treatment from our oral surgeons.

Signs Your Dental Implants Are Failing

There are a few different signs that can indicate your implant is failing:

• Persistent Pain or Discomfort: While some discomfort is normal after the implant procedure, ongoing or worsening pain can be a sign of implant failure. This pain might be constant or occur when you bite or chew.

• Swelling or Inflammation: Any prolonged swelling or inflammation around the implant site, beyond the initial healing period, can indicate an issue. In particular, redness and swelling that doesn’t subside should be examined.

• Gum Recession: If the gums around the implant begin to recede or pull away, exposing more of the implant or the metal post, it can be a sign of failing dental implant.

• Difficulty Biting or Chewing: Experiencing discomfort or difficulty while biting or chewing can indicate that the implant isn't functioning correctly, which could be due to its improper integration with the jawbone.

• Loose or Wobbly Implant: One of the most apparent signs of implant failure is if the implant itself becomes loose or starts to move. An implant should be as solid and stable as a natural tooth.

• Infection or Pus: Any signs of infection, such as pus, a bad taste, or foul smell coming from the implant area, can suggest that the implant is failing and needs immediate attention.

How We Treat Peri-Implantitis

We treat peri-implantitis by surgically removing the gum tissue affected by bacteria and clearing the buildup from around the implant. With infection no longer present, the gum tissue will no longer be inflamed or pull away from the implant. If bone has been damaged from the infection, we will provide bone grafting to stabilize the implant. Removing the infected gum tissue also creates a healthy environment so the gums can reattach to further stabilize the implant. Once the site has been thoroughly treated and all plaque and tartar buildup removed, the bone, implant, and gum tissue are restored to proper health and function. Though treatment is effective, peri-implantitis is a progressive condition that can end in the implant failing, so seek our expertise at the first signs of infection.

Keep Your Smile Healthy Long-term

The best way to ensure your peri-implantitis does not return, or that you do not become susceptible to this disease, proper care of your implants is essential. Especially if you need peri-implantitis treatment, we advise that you maintain routine appointments in the future for comprehensive cleaning and evaluation of your mouth and dental implants. This, along with proper at-home hygiene, can help reduce the risk for peri-implantitis and help ensure your smile remains healthy long-term. Contact us to schedule your appointment today.