Dental Implant Salvage in Houston

Causes of Implant Failure

There are a number of factors that can contribute to implant failure. A few examples include:

• A medical condition that affects the patient’s ability to heal after surgery
• An implant breaks
• Insufficient bone to support the implant
• Infection

If you notice any early signs of implant failure, such as an implant that feels loose or unusual soreness around the implant site, make an appointment with a qualified Houston oral surgeon right away. The longer a problem persists, the less likely it is that it will be possible to salvage the implant.

Salvaging Dental Implants

In some cases, it may be possible to save an existing implant. For example, if an infection is present, strong antibiotics along with changes to a patient’s oral hygiene routine may be able to kill harmful bacteria and allow the tissue around the implant to heal.

In other cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to help your smile regain its health and function.

Bone Problems

If an infection caused moderate bone loss around the implant and is compromising its base of support, your oral surgeons in Houston may simply remove the implant and give your body some time to heal. When sufficient tissue regeneration has occurred and there is no sign of infection, it may be possible to replace the implant.

If severe bone loss occurred, your Houston oral surgeons may remove the implant and perform a bone graft. After your body has accepted the new bone, your surgeon may place the implant back in its original home.

Breakage

Most dental implants are made out of titanium, which is an extremely strong substances that is unlikely to break. However, if you received ceramic implants, there is a higher possibility of breakage. If this occurs, your Houston oral surgeons may simply remove the broken implant and replace it with a whole one.

Other Salvage Options

Of course, every patient has unique circumstances. Your implant may fail due to a combination of reasons, in which case your oral surgeon will have to make a careful evaluation of your oral and overall health before designing a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs.

To give your salvage procedure the best chance of success possible, be sure to stick to good habits at home and diligently follow your surgeon’s instructions for pre and post-op care. With a bit of patience and a lot of expert help from the team at Piney Point Oral & Maxillofacial surgery, you might soon once again be the owner of a strong, complete, and confident smile.