Reviewed by Dr. Rebecca Wagner
|
Reading time: three minutes
Dental implants are typically made from titanium, a biocompatible material that is well tolerated by the body. They are designed to integrate with the jawbone and function like natural teeth. True immune rejection is uncommon. However, dental implants can fail if the surrounding gum and bone tissue become compromised.
Signs of Dental Implant Rejection
Some mild discomfort is normal during healing, but worsening symptoms or changes around the implant should be evaluated promptly.
Common warning signs of dental implant failure include:
- Persistent pain after the normal healing period
- Swelling or inflammation around the implant
- Bleeding gums near the implant
- A loose or shifting implant
- Difficulty chewing or biting comfortably
- Gum recession around the implant
- Pus, drainage, or a bad taste in the mouth
- Bone loss visible on dental imaging
What Causes Dental Implant Failure?
Several factors can increase the risk of implant complications.
Common causes include:
- Peri-implantitis: This infection affects the gum and bone around a dental implant. As it progresses, bone loss can weaken implant stability.
- Insufficient bone support: Dental implants rely on healthy bone for support. If the implant does not properly integrate with the jawbone, long-term stability may be affected.
- Smoking: Smoking can impair healing and increase infection risk.
- Teeth grinding: Clenching and grinding can place excessive pressure on an implant over time.
- Inadequate oral hygiene: Plaque and bacteria around the implant can lead to inflammation and peri-implant disease if not managed consistently.
Can a Failed Dental Implant Be Saved?
When implant problems are identified early, treatment may help control infection and preserve the surrounding bone.
This may include:
- Professional implant cleaning and maintenance
- Peri-implantitis treatment
- Laser therapy
- Bone grafting or regenerative procedures
- Bite adjustment to reduce excessive pressure
If significant bone loss or implant instability is present, removal and replacement may be necessary.
Failing Dental Implant Treatment at The Wagner Centre
Dr. Rebecca Wagner is a board-certified periodontist and implant surgeon with advanced training in dental implant placement, peri-implant disease, and bone regeneration.
Your treatment may include advanced laser therapy to help reduce bacteria below the gumline and address infected tissue. This helps protect the supporting bone around the implant. If bone loss has affected implant stability, bone grafting may also be recommended to help preserve the implant whenever possible.
Protect Long-Term Implant Health
If you notice pain, swelling, bleeding, or looseness around a dental implant, early treatment may help prevent further complications.
To schedule an evaluation, call (717) 263-0606 or visit 129 Chambers Hill Dr, Chambersburg, PA 17201.
FAQ
True rejection is rare, but implant failure may cause pain, swelling, bleeding, looseness, gum recession, or infection around the implant.
Peri-implantitis is one of the most common causes of implant failure. This infection affects the gum and bone surrounding the implant.
Early treatment may help control infection and preserve the implant, depending on the amount of bone loss and tissue damage.
True immune rejection of dental implants is uncommon. Most implant complications are related to infection, healing issues, or bone loss rather than rejection by the body.
