Dental Implant Problems in Seattle
Dental Implant Problems Threaten Your Investment
The importance of receiving dental implants from a highly qualified, skilled implant specialist cannot be overstated. A number of factors lead to implant problems or failure, many resulting from gambling with cheap implants or placement by an inexperienced dentist. Dr. Darrin Rapoport delivers the world-class care you need when your implants (and oral health investment) are in trouble.
Why Dental Implants Fail
When you trust your dental implant procedure with an unqualified or inexperienced dentist, you risk short-term and long-term issues caused by improperly fitted implants or lack of instruction on how to properly maintain your dental health after your procedure. Whether you’re looking to avoid these issues or need to repair damage caused by a previous dental procedure, contact us today.
- Excess or improper placement of cement
- Ill-fitting implant restoration
- Diabetic problems
- Smoking
Types of Dental Implant Failure
Early Failure
More common, early dental implant failure typically occurs prior to placing the final implant restoration. Causes include healing or systemic issues or a technical mishap during surgery.
Latent Failure
Latent implant failure occurs after some time, usually due to subpar maintenance of oral hygiene and the implant or during the restorative phase. Restorative issues often result from improper treatment planning or problems with occlusion (how teeth bite together).
Initial Patient Consult
One of the core principles of implant success lies within the long-term relationships we develop with our patients. We form a marriage of sorts with you and your implants, even if you are visiting us to repair problems with implants placed by other clinicians. To correct existing implant problems and before placing new implants, Dr. Rapoport conducts a full screening to ensure successful, lasting results. He meticulously addresses factors like:
- Original cause of tooth loss
- Medical and dental health histories
- Fit and placement of implant restorations
- Below the gum evaluation with Perioscope and CT scans
Dental Implant FAQs
Are dental implants safe?
Dental implants are a safe and effective option for replacing missing teeth and restoring the healthy function of the mouth. As with any procedure, there are some risks associated with dental implant surgery; however, the procedure is generally well-tolerated, and complications can be effectively treated.
What can I do to prevent dental implant failure?
Most dental implant patients enjoy great results. In some cases, the bone may not sufficiently fuse to the implant which can lead to complications. Choosing an experienced surgeon, such as Dr. Rapaport, can help reduce your risk of complications and address any issues as they arise following your dental implant surgery. Dr. Rapaport will review your medical history and identify any pre-existing conditions or indicators that may raise your risk of dental implant failure, such as gum disease or tobacco use. It is also important to be aware of things you can do to preserve your dental work and prevent implant failure. Consider the following:
Maintain excellent dental hygiene: It is important to keep your implant and the surrounding area clean and healthy. Use specially designed dental tools, such as interdental brushes, to access the hard-to-reach areas around gums to remove harmful plaque and prevent gum disease and bone loss.
Avoid harmful dental habits: Chewing on hard foods and objects can lead to cracks in the crown. If you tend to grind your teeth at night, consider seeking treatment to prevent damage to the implant and your natural teeth. Additionally, smoking can slow the healing process and increase your risk of complications.
Attend regular dental appointments: Seeing Dr. Rapaport regularly can help ensure your implant remains healthy and functional. Dental cleanings can remove plaque and tartar buildup around the gum line, which prevents tooth decay and gum disease.
What should I do if I suspect a problem with my dental implants?
If you think there may be an issue with your dental implants, seek treatment as soon as you can.
What are the warning signs of dental implant failure?
The following issues can indicate a problem with your dental implant:
- Signs of infection: Signs of infection may include inflamed gums, a receding gum line, redness, swelling, and pain when chewing. If you do have an infection, you may need antibiotics or other medication to manage it.
- An implant that feels loose: A loose implant often means that there is an issue fusing with the bone. This can happen when the bone is not strong enough to secure the implant.
- Sudden sinus problem: If you experience sinus pain or pressure after having a dental implant placed, contact Dr. Rapaport to determine if it is related to the procedure.
- Severe pain: Severe pain, numbness, or tingling can indicate a nearby nerve is being disturbed.
Why should I choose Dr. Rapoport for my dental implant needs?
Dental implants should only be placed by a qualified and highly trained surgeon. Our team of experts has extensive experience performing successful dental implant procedures for many satisfied patients. In cases of implant failure or other complications, our doctors can quickly and effectively address these issues, even if the original implant was placed by another doctor. Book a consultation today to experience excellent patient care at Pacific Northwest Periodontics.