Did you know that dental implants, if placed by an experienced professional like Dr. David Earnest, can typically have a success rate of 95% or more, even a decade after being placed? In most cases, patients can expect their results to last anywhere from 20 years to a lifetime. Even so, you’ll have to properly care for your implants, otherwise, they could end up failing. At Comal Dental, our team can help you salvage a failed dental implant in New Braunfels, that way you can make the most of your newly restored smile. Keep reading to learn how we can address loose or painful dental implants.

Why Do Dental Implants Fail?

One of the most common reasons dental implants fail is a condition known as peri-implantitis. This issue occurs when an infection in the gums surrounds the dental implant, usually as a result of poor oral hygiene. If left untreated, the bacteria can become strong enough to attack and damage the connective tissues helping the metal posts remain in place. They can end up becoming loose or falling out as a result. Of course, other situations like accidental physical trauma or certain medical conditions can cause implants to fail.

The good news is that preserving strong, healthy, and reliable dental implants can be a straightforward process. You can easily prevent peri-implantitis by implementing good oral hygiene, including brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and rinsing with mouthwash regularly. Visiting your dentist for routine checkups every six months can also ensure you’re free of any developing issues that could put your implants at risk.

Symptoms of Failed Dental Implants

It’s possible for dental implants to fail immediately after being placed or even many years after your procedure. For this reason, you must look out for the common symptoms of one that’s at risk, including:

• Difficulty biting down or chewing
• A loose or wiggly implant
• Sensitivity or pain around the implant
• Puffy, bright red, or tender gums
• Gum recession around the dental implant

How Dental Implant Salvage Works

Should you recognize any of the typical symptoms of a failing dental implant, we highly recommend that you notify our team as soon as possible. The quicker we can start your treatment, the higher the chance that we can preserve your metal posts. We’ll begin with a thorough oral examination to see the root of the failure. Then, we can suggest the ideal process to fix your smile. Some of these procedures may include gum disease therapy, antibiotics, and a bone graft. In more severe cases, salvaging the dental implant may not be viable or possible. If your gums or jaw isn’t in a good condition, we might have to pull the implant out to address the underlying issue first.