Dental Implant Failure & Salvage – Houston, TX

We Can Save Your Newly Restored Smile

In terms of tooth replacements, dental implants are the most consistently successful option. Over 95% of dental implant patients are still taking full advantage of their new teeth after more than a decade. However, there’s still a small chance that they can fail. Just in case this happens to you, it’s important to be aware of the possible reasons why, the signs of a failed dental implant in Houston, and how your dentist can help. If you’re concerned about dental implant failure, we urge you to call our office right away so that we can save your newly restored smile.

man with dental implants in Houston wearing a plaid shirt

Why Do Dental Implants Fail?

model of a dental implant next to a real tooth in the jaw

Out of all the reasons why a dental implant might fail, the most common is a bacterial infection in the gums called peri-implantitis. If allowed to progress, this infection may destroy the bone and soft tissues that are keeping your implant in place. Usually, peri-implantitis develops as a result of poor oral hygiene, so it can largely be prevented with daily brushing and flossing.

Other possible causes of dental implant failure include:

Traumatic injury to the mouth, jaw, or face
Failure of the implant to integrate with the jawbone
Certain medical conditions, such as cancer or uncontrolled diabetes, that can impair the immune system

Symptoms of Failed Dental Implants

man whose mouth hurts because of a failed dental implant in Houston

Dental implant failure is more common in the first few weeks after your implant placement surgery, but it could still occur several months or even years the down the line. Both early and late dental implant failure need to be addressed as soon as possible.

If you notice any of the following symptoms, please contact our office immediately:

Severe pain after your surgical procedure – Of course, some soreness is normal in the few days after your surgery. However, if your discomfort begins to intensify instead of subsiding, something might be wrong with your dental implants in Houston.
Bleeding or swelling – These symptoms are also normal to a degree following your surgery, but if they persist, it may indicate implant failure.
Difficulty chewing – Eating with dental implants should feel exactly like it does with natural teeth. If you’re having trouble chewing with your implant, give us a call.
Loosening of an implant – If your implant starts feeling loose, schedule an appointment with us so that we can determine whether the implant itself has loosened or if it’s just the restoration on top.

How Dental Implant Salvage Works

At Mark Gray, DDS, we want to ensure that your new smile lasts as long as possible. That’s why we cannot stress enough the importance of contacting us if you suspect you have a failed dental implant in Houston. Once we’re able to closely examine your mouth, we’ll identify the cause of the problem and devise a treatment plan to get your smile back on the right track.

Depending on the issue’s severity, dental implant salvage may be as simple as a deep cleaning. A round of antibiotics may also prove useful. Keep in mind, though, that if the supporting tissues and bone have become too damaged, we may need to remove your implant to allow them to heal. If you wish to receive a new implant at some point in the future, we may suggest a bone graft to strengthen the area.