You've invested months of time and significant money into getting a dental implant to restore your smile, only to find yourself dealing with discomfort or complications months later.
While dental implants are known for their impressive success rate, they aren't completely risk-free—just like any other medical procedure.
Implants boast an outstanding track record for long-term success, often achieving a 90-95% success rate over five years, with some studies reporting even better outcomes. But despite this high success rate, implant failures can still happen.
It's essential to recognize the signs of dental implant failure early. Catching issues early can save your implant and allow you to take proactive steps to avoid future problems.
Dental implant failure happens when the implant doesn’t properly fuse with the jawbone or faces issues that stop it from working as it should. Normally, implants bond with the bone through a process called osseointegration, providing a solid base for the replacement tooth.
But if this process is disrupted—due to infection, poor bone quality, or surgical issues—the implant can become loose, painful, or unable to support the artificial tooth.
A certain amount of discomfort after your dental implant procedure is normal, but persistent or intense pain could signal a problem. How can you tell the difference?
During the healing process, mild pain that lasts a few days is expected and easily controlled with prescribed painkillers. However, if you experience severe, throbbing pain weeks or even months after the procedure, it could be a sign of implant failure.
If chewing or biting becomes painful or difficult, this may be a warning that your dental implant is failing.
Under normal conditions, eating, speaking, and biting should be free from discomfort. Implants are meant to function just like natural teeth, so any pain during these activities is abnormal. If chewing becomes painful, it could be a signal that something is wrong with your implant.
Gum recession around an implant may indicate issues like improper positioning or insufficient gum and bone support. The first signs of gum recession are often a visibly longer implant crown and swelling or tenderness around the area.
A properly placed dental implant should feel completely natural—so much so that you might forget it's even there. It should never feel like a foreign object in your mouth.
But if the implant isn't securely placed, you might notice it moving or wobbling when you talk, eat, or even touch it. This is one of the clearest signs of implant failure.
Some swelling after dental implant surgery is expected, but it should start to subside within a few days. If the swelling lingers or worsens, it could be a warning sign.
Severely swollen and red gums often indicate an infection. If left untreated, this infection can spread to other areas of your mouth and, in serious cases, enter your bloodstream, posing significant health risks.
In some cases, a temporary tooth is placed right after implant surgery to speed up healing and reduce follow-up appointments. While this can be convenient, it may put extra stress on the implant if your jawbone isn't strong enough, increasing the risk of implant failure.
If you suspect your implant is failing, don’t wait to seek help. Ignoring the issue could lead to more serious and painful oral health problems down the road.
Reach out to your dentist as soon as possible if you notice any signs of implant failure. They’ll evaluate the situation and determine if replacement is necessary, offering you the best solution for a successful recovery.
Dental implant procedures have a success rate of 95%, with only a small fraction of cases experiencing failure. While these failures are rare, it's important to be aware of the signs of dental implant failure.
Before getting your implant, a comprehensive consultation with your surgeon and dentist is crucial. They’ll review your medical history, assess your gum and jawbone health, and ensure everything is in place for a smooth, successful procedure.
At Stoney Trail Dental, we’re dedicated to providing expert dental implant services and personalized post-op care to ensure your smile stays healthy and strong.
Schedule your appointment today and speak to an expert about your eligibility for a dental implant.
If you notice your implant feels wobbly or shifts when you talk or eat, this could be a sign that it hasn’t properly fused with your jawbone.
Yes, an implant can fail months after placement if there are complications like infection, poor bone integration, or excessive stress on the implant.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Gurshant Grewal - a Registered Dentist on October 16, 2024
