Dental Implant Failure

Catch Signs of Failing Dental Implants Early With Your St. Louis Implant Dentists

Are you experiencing pain, swelling, or looseness around your dental implant? While dental implants boast a 95% success rate, according to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, complications can occur. If you’re dealing with a failing implant, Dr. Brace and Dr. Grayem at St. Louis County Dental are here to help.

Early intervention is critical. Contact our implant dentists in St. Louis at 314-762-6784 to schedule an evaluation and explore your treatment options. Our practice serves patients from Kirkwood, Woodbine, and Clayton with comprehensive care in one convenient location.

Why Choose St. Louis County Dental for Implant Care?

Dr. Brace and Dr. Grayem bring 35 years of combined experience to every implant case. We stay current with the latest advances in implant dentistry and use state-of-the-art diagnostic technology for precise treatment. We offer affordable pricing and comfortable sedation options to make your experience as pleasant as possible.

What Causes Dental Implants to Fail?

Understanding why implants fail helps you recognize warning signs early. Here are the most common culprits:

Infection and Peri-Implantitis

• Bacterial infection affecting the gum and bone tissue surrounding your implant
• Similar to gum disease, but occurs around the implant site
• Poor oral hygiene and smoking significantly increase the risk of implant failure
• Can lead to bone loss and implant loosening if left untreated

Osseointegration Problems

• Occurs when the implant fails to properly fuse with your jawbone
• Insufficient bone density is a primary cause
• Improper placement or excessive force during healing can disrupt the process
• Results in an unstable, wobbly implant

Additional Risk Factors

• Overloading: Excessive pressure from teeth grinding or premature chewing before full healing
• Medical conditions: Uncontrolled diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and osteoporosis impair healing
• Poor surgical technique: Inexperienced placement leading to nerve damage or misalignment
• Lifestyle choices: Smoking, heavy alcohol use, and poor nutrition compromise success rates

Warning Signs Your Implant May Be Failing

Catching problems early gives you the best chance for successful treatment. Watch for these red flags:

• Persistent pain or discomfort that worsens instead of improving over time
• Swelling or redness around the implant site, especially months after placement
• Implant mobility – any looseness or wobbling is a serious concern
• Gum recession, exposing the metal post and increasing infection risk
• Difficulty chewing or pain when biting down on the implant
• Bad breath or metallic taste, indicating possible peri-implantitis

Don’t ignore these symptoms. Our St. Louis dental team can evaluate your implant and recommend the appropriate treatment. Call 314-762-6784 today.

Who’s at Higher Risk for Implant Failure?

Certain factors make implant complications more likely. Being aware of your risk level helps you take preventive action.

Smoking

Nicotine restricts blood flow to your gums, slowing healing and increasing infection risk. Research shows smokers face a 10-20% higher implant failure rate compared to non-smokers. Some studies show the risk of peri-implantitis may rise as high as 30% due to smoking or tobacco use.

Poor Oral Hygiene

Inadequate brushing, flossing, or skipping professional cleanings allows plaque buildup. This creates the perfect environment for peri-implantitis to develop.

Insufficient Bone Density

A thin or weak jawbone may not provide adequate support for your implant. Bone grafting can address this issue before or during implant placement.

Uncontrolled Medical Conditions

• Diabetes affects healing and infection resistance
• Cancer treatments can compromise bone health
• Medications like bisphosphonates interfere with bone regeneration
• Autoimmune disorders may prevent proper osseointegration

Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

Chronic grinding places excessive force on implants, leading to mechanical failure over time. A custom nightguard protects your investment.

How We Diagnose Failing Implants

Dr. Brace and Dr. Grayem use advanced diagnostic tools to assess your implant health accurately.

Our Evaluation Process

1. Clinical examination checks for inflammation, stability, and infection signs
2. Digital X-rays or CBCT scans reveal bone loss and implant positioning
3. Periodontal probing measures the gum pocket depth around the implant
4. Bite analysis identifies overloading or stress points

This thorough approach ensures we identify the root cause and develop the most effective treatment plan for your situation.

Treatment Options for Failing Dental Implants

We offer both non-surgical and surgical solutions depending on the severity of your implant failure.

Non-Surgical Treatments

• Professional dental cleaning: Scaling and root planing remove plaque and bacteria from the implant site
• Antibiotic therapy: Oral or topical medications combat peri-implantitis infections
• Laser therapy: Disinfects the area while promoting healthy gum tissue regeneration
• Custom mouthguards: Protect implants from grinding damage during sleep

Surgical Interventions

When non-surgical methods aren’t enough, we may recommend:

• Bone grafting to rebuild lost bone and stabilize the implant structure
• Implant removal and replacement if the implant cannot be saved, allowing the site to heal before placing a new one
• Soft tissue grafting, addressing gum recession for better aesthetics and function

Our team will discuss all options with you, ensuring you understand the pros and cons of each approach before moving forward.

Preventing Implant Failure: Steps You Can Take

Most implant failures are preventable with proper care and maintenance. Here’s how to protect your investment:

Daily Care Habits

• Brush twice daily using a soft-bristle toothbrush
• Floss around your implant every day – water flossers work well for hard-to-reach areas
• Use an antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce bacteria
• Avoid chewing ice, hard candy, or other objects that stress the implant

Professional Care

Schedule checkups and cleanings at St. Louis County Dental every six months. Regular monitoring helps us catch potential problems before they become serious.

Lifestyle Modifications

• Quit smoking: Cessation programs dramatically improve healing and reduce infection risk
• Manage health conditions: Work with your physician to control diabetes and other chronic diseases
• Wear a nightguard: If you grind your teeth, protect your implants with a custom-fitted guard
• Maintain good nutrition: Adequate protein, calcium, and vitamins support bone health

Frequently Asked Questions

Get Help in St. Louis for Your Failing Dental Implant Today

Don’t let implant failure compromise your smile and oral health. Dr. Brace and Dr. Grayem have the expertise to diagnose and treat failing implants effectively.

Schedule your dental implant evaluation at St. Louis County Dental by calling 314-762-6784. We welcome patients from St. Louis, Kirkwood, Woodbine, and Clayton. Let us help you get your oral health back on track.