Dental Implant Failure & Salvage – Panama City, FL

Give Your Tooth the Attention It Needs

One of the reasons dentists often recommend dental implants as a tooth replacement option is because of their longevity and reliability, especially compared to other solutions. When you want a replacement tooth that can last decades without issue, dental implants are the best option. With that said, they can still fail, even if it is a rare occurrence. If you notice pain or gum inflammation around your implant or it starts to feel loose, don’t wait to call us. We just may be able to save it through dental implant salvage treatment. To learn how it works, you can keep reading or give us a call to schedule an appointment.

Why Do Dental Implants Fail?

Diagram of a failed dental implant in Panama City

One of the most common causes of dental implant failure is peri-implantitis, an infection of the connective tissue around the implant. As bacteria access the area, the supporting jawbone structure is weakened over time. In most cases, this occurs as a result of poor oral hygiene, which leads to gum disease. This is why we always emphasize the importance of brushing and flossing, especially if you have dental implants.

However, it’s not the only cause for dental implant failure. They can also fail as a result of injury, failed osseointegration (the process in which the titanium posts fuse with the jawbone), or various medical conditions that can negatively affect the healing process.

Symptoms of a Failed Dental Implant

Man with a failed dental implant in Panama City

Keep in mind that dental implant failure doesn’t exclusively occur soon after they are surgically placed. It can happen over the first few months after the placement or years and even decades down the line. The most common signs that your dental implant is failing include:

  • Severe pain around the dental implant
  • Gum inflammation
  • Gum recession
  • Swelling around the implant
  • Loosening of the implant or the restoration
  • Pain while biting down

Even if you aren’t sure your dental implant is failing, don’t risk assuming it will get better on its own. Call our office so we can perform an exam and determine if dental implant salvage treatment is right for you.

How Dental Implant Salvage Works

Dentist showing patient X-ray of dental implants in Panama City

The sooner issues are caught, the easier they may be to treat. While this logic applies to dental problems in general, it also applies to failing dental implants. When you arrive, we’ll perform a detailed exam to confirm the extent of your symptoms and break down your treatment options. We may be able to save the dental implants with a deep cleaning and antibiotics if there is an infection.

However, if the damage is too extensive (either due to the infection spreading, physical injury, failed osseointegration, or something else), we may have to remove the implant altogether. Once your oral health has been restored, we can revisit the prospect of replacing your tooth with a new dental implant.