If you want to restore your smile in the wake of tooth loss, you can achieve maximum benefits through implant dentistry. A dental implant will replace missing teeth both above and below the gumline, enhancing the appearance, function, structure, and health of your smile.
Your dentist will evaluate your oral health, including the strength of your jaw, to ensure you are a good candidate for this treatment before they begin. The implant relies on a fusion of an anchor inserted below the gumline with the jawbone. This creates a strong foundation that supports the rest of the implant, including the prosthetic teeth.
If the fusion process does not happen correctly, the implant will feel loose. Then you could face a risk of infections and other complications. Dental implant failure will require urgent intervention from a dentist to fix, so do not ignore the issue.
When you know more about this danger, you can take measures to avoid it. Read on to learn how you can tell if your dental implant is failing as well as how you can prevent this dental emergency.
Signs of Dental Implant Failure
When a dentist provides you with a dental implant, you can anticipate some downtime to recover from the procedure. With aftercare tips from your dentist, you can heal while minimizing discomfort.
However, you should call your dentist if you notice abnormal symptoms during your recovery. For instance, if you experience severe pain that does not respond to your own management efforts, this could mean your implant is failing. Some pain is normal. But if it feels intense and shows signs of infection, you need to tell your dentist right away.
If the implant seems loose or wobbly, this can also point to implant failure. An implant should feel secure in your mouth. If this is not the case, then you could have a serious problem. Make sure you tell your dentist about any changes or problems with your oral health.
How to Protect Your New Dental Implant
As mentioned, your dentist will determine your eligibility, including the health of your jawbone, prior to starting dental implant treatment. But you can also take measures to protect your new implant and reduce the risk of its failure on your own.
For instance, you should continue good oral hygiene to preserve your implant. An implant will resist tooth decay, but it will still collect plaque and other residues throughout the day. Lingering plaque will encourage bacterial spread, putting you in danger of gum disease and other dental issues.
These dental concerns will alter your health, causing issues like gum recession or shifting dental structure. This will also affect the fit of your implant, and it may then fail.
Keep up with at-home oral hygiene and make sure you visit your dentist for routine check-ups and cleanings too to maximize this preventive dental care. Follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions too to achieve the best results from your implant.