Dental implant failure is rare but always a possibility. After Dr. Valiente has placed your dental implants, several issues could lead to implant failure. If you know the signs and symptoms of implant failure and catch it early enough, we can correct the situation and save the implants.

Severe Pain

Although it’s normal to experience some discomfort in the first few days after implant placement, if the pain worsens or doesn’t go away after these days, your implants could be failing. This pain may increase when you are biting down or chewing but may be constant, depending on when it develops.

Bad Breath/Bad Taste in Your Mouth

Persistent bad breath that won’t go away, even with brushing and mouth rinses, is often a sign of a failed dental implant, particularly if you also have a bad taste in your mouth. Some people explain it as a “metallic” taste, while others may describe it as bitter. Both indicate a possible infection that could lead to implant failure.

Inflammation

Following implant placement, the gums around the surgery site will swell, peaking around day three. After that, the inflammation should begin to subside. If swelling persists, especially if accompanied by redness or bleeding, your jawbone may be rejecting the implant rather than fusing with it.

Receding Gums

When a dental implant doesn’t fuse properly with the surrounding bone, it often triggers a reaction in the soft tissues, causing the gums to recede. Gum recession may also be caused by peri-implantitis, a gum infection that sometimes occurs after dental implant surgery.

Loose Implant Restorations

Once the dental restoration, whether a crown or other dental prosthetic, is attached to your implant, it should feel as stable as your natural teeth. If it wiggles or shifts, there is a problem with the implant, the abutment attaching it to the prosthetic, or the prosthetic itself. If the problem is with the abutment or crown, it can be corrected relatively easily. However, if the issue is implant failure, you need to have it looked at by Dr. Valiente as soon as possible.

Handling a Failed Dental Implant

It’s crucial to never adopt a ‘wait and see’ approach if you experience issues with your dental implant. The longer you wait, the more difficult it is to correct the problem and save the implant. Infection can spread to other areas of the mouth or enter the bloodstream, leading to dangerous complications that can destroy oral and overall health. Any time you experience signs of a dental implant issue, call our office immediately at 813-968-5400, and we will arrange for Dr. Valiente to see you as soon as possible. Remember, early intervention is key to saving your implant.