As with any other surgical procedure, there are a variety of internal and external factors that cause complications or even total failure of the treatment. Dental implants are no exception. Dental implants are designed to be a permanent replacement for a missing tooth or teeth and are a popular alternative to removable dentures or fixed bridges. They anchor artificial teeth directly into the jawbone, which makes them a more functional and aesthetically pleasing restoration. Today we’re discussing what to do if you have a broken dental implant in San Diego.

The 3 common signs of a broken dental implant include the following.

• Feeling discomfort or pain. Pain can be a possible sign that something is wrong, but it can also be part of the healing process, at least for a short time after the implant has been placed. It is slightly different if you had the implant inserted a while ago without any immediate problems, and the pain is something that has recently developed.
• Signs of swelling or inflammation. Some slight swelling immediately following implantation is normal, but if the gum tissues begin to look red and inflamed, it could be a sign of infection.
• The implant feels loose. Feeling as if the implant is becoming loose in the jaw, or actually being able to wobble it could be a sign of a broken dental implant in San Diego.

A lot of this boils down to common sense, as most people know when something is wrong with their teeth. A well-placed, healthy dental implant should feel exactly like your own teeth, and you shouldn’t even be aware it is there.

If any of these dental implant failure signs sound familiar to you, it is best to seek advice as soon as you can. It might be possible to treat any infection with a course of antibiotics. It is vital not to ignore these dental implant failure signs as any infection could significantly damage your jawbone.

Take Action Sooner Rather than Later

It is sometimes necessary to remove the implant completely, especially if it has become loose. This is best completed sooner rather than later to minimize damage to the jawbone, and it may be possible to replace the dental implant at a later date once the implant site has healed.

Sometimes it is necessary to have a bone graft performed if infection has led to significant bone loss. Occasionally it may be possible to try to support a failing implant with additional bone grafts.

Dental implant failure signs can occur shortly after implant surgery, or they can occur in implants that have seemed fine for years but which have been gradually failing over time. It is always best to seek help at the first sign anything may be wrong, regardless of how long it has been since the implant surgery.

Avoid the Risk of a Broken Dental Implant in San Diego

Most implants will fail due to infection and inflammation, so proper oral care can prevent this from occurring. However there are other factors that can affect the success of an implant, such as smoking or any condition that compromises their immune system is likely to be at increased risk.

Then of course there is the choice of dentist, as choosing a highly qualified and experienced dentist will help increase the odds of success in your favor. The difference lies in the fact that the correct sized implant system will have been used, and it will have been properly placed to avoid excess load and stress on the implant.

When properly carried out, the success rate of implant surgery can be as high as 98%, making the risk of incurring any broken dental implants remarkably low.

Remember – a cracked or broken tooth should be treated right away, before bacteria settle in or the crack widens. If you feel like you may have a broken dental implant in San Diego – don’t hesitate – call our office today before the situation worsens and gets more painful!