Dental implants are a popular way for Americans to replace missing teeth and create stability in the jawline to stop other teeth moving around. However, every person must know that dental implants are at risk of damage or failure years after they have been inserted into your mouth. If you are a person who has a dental implant, it is vital you know the potential signs of dental implant failure so that you can book a checkup with your dentist sooner rather than later. Here are three common signs that your dental implant needs examination by a professional.
Sensitivity
When an implant is first inserted, it is not uncommon to experience some tooth sensitivity for a month or two. However, if that sensitivity has passed and has now returned, then this is a sign that your dental implant is either infected or it is no longer bonded with the gum. The sensitive feeling is caused by the nerve endings in the area are being irritated by pressure while you chew or it because air is irritating the exposed nerves. Either way, if you are now experiencing sensitivity in the implant area, you need to have this checked out by your dentist.
Loose Implant
A dental implant should not move at all once it has been in your mouth long enough for it to bond with your jaw. The time frame for this to occur is three to six months. If your implant feels loose like a wobbly natural tooth feels, then the implant is becoming loose. It could be as simple as the crown needing to be reattached to the titanium rod, or it may be that the rod is moving away from the bone in your jaw. Either way, it needs a dentist to look at it to determine the cause and offer repair options.
Swelling Around The Implant
Any swelling, redness, or pain in the gum around the implant is a sign that an infection is taking place. An infection that is left unattended may cause the implant to be removed because of the potential for permanent damage in the gum or jawbone. It is important that if you experience any discomfort or unusual symptoms around the implant that you book a dentist checkup as you likely require a course of antibiotics to treat it.
Do not delay getting a dentist to check your implant if you notice any of these symptoms occurring in your mouth. Early diagnose makes all the difference in the amount of permanent damage done.
Share19 March 2020
Do you care for your teeth like you should? Most people brush their teeth, but so many people rush through this process and are not as careful as they should be. Still others avoid flossing. A lack of dental care over the years can lead to increased decay. Thankfully, we have dentists who can treat decay with fillings, crowns, and in some cases, root canals. Dentists also provide preventative care. They can clean your teeth and use things like fluoride treatments to strengthen your enamel. The more you know about dental care, the better you'll be able to care for your mouth, so feel free to read some of the articles on this website.