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Dental implants in Coral Gables are an effective and long-lasting dental restoration. Unlike bridges that rely on the surrounding teeth for support, implants imitate the structure of a natural tooth, with a titanium screw that attaches to your jawbone to ensure a stable prosthetic.
However, even with good care and healthy eating habits, your implants may get loose over time. Several factors, be it common wear and tear or a sudden accident, can damage your implants—and, consequently, your smile. To help you easily manage these situations, we have created this guide.
Losing an adult tooth can be a painful and frustrating process. Besides changing the appearance of your smile, missing teeth can make it hard to eat and speak properly, negatively impacting your quality of life. Moreover, missing teeth have several consequences for your oral health in the long run.
For starters, the surrounding teeth will shift towards the available space in a process known as tooth drifting. This will not only affect the alignment of your smile but can also cause bite problems, TMJ disease, and headaches.
Additionally, tooth loss leads to jawbone resorption over time. Unknown to many, tooth roots provide constant stimulus to the jawbone. When that is lost, the bone will start to reabsorb itself to locate those resources in other, more active parts of the body.
The problem is that jawbone density loss can foster tooth loss in the area and give you an aged, sunken appearance.
To prevent this, dental professionals recommend getting dental implants. Implants are inserted into the jawbone, providing the necessary stimulation to keep it healthy. Moreover, the customized crown placed on top keeps the surrounding teeth from shifting, ensuring your smile stays well-aligned and straight.
Dental implants are intended to provide a long-term solution for tooth replacement. Your implant restoration can last a lifetime with proper care and a healthy diet. However, their longevity varies depending on oral hygiene, overall health, and habits such as smoking or grinding teeth.
Typical factors that indicate something is not right at your implant site are:
Identifying any of these elements can be frightening and nerve-racking. However, acting quickly and calmly in these moments is key to protecting your smile.
By understanding what causes each dental emergency, you can easily traverse any accident. To help you, here are some frequent implant crises, with tips on what to do right away and when to contact a dentist.
Pain after getting an implant is a normal part of the healing process. It is common for discomfort to start to manifest by the end of the day following your surgery, as soon as the sedative effects have worn off.
However, depending on how much pain you experience, where it is, and when it happens, it could also be an indication that something is wrong. After two weeks, you should feel almost completely restored to your normal self.
Even before that, any throbbing, excruciating, or abrupt and intense pain should be reported to your oral surgeon right away, as it could indicate nerve damage or infection. It could also be a sign that the implant isn’t integrating properly with the bone. You may need to get your dental implant removed and reattached if that’s the case.
In the meantime, there are some things you can do to manage the discomfort:
Loose implants indicate a serious problem. If the restoration appears unsteady, it could be due to either bone loss or an infection in the implant site, known as peri-implantitis. It may also happen if the implant does not fully integrate with the bone during the healing process.
Loose implants must be addressed promptly, though, as an infection near your bone can be very dangerous. Make an appointment with your dentist right away. In the meantime, refrain from biting the side of your implant that feels loose.
Avoid repairing it yourself, as this may result in additional harm. A better result can be achieved with early intervention, which may include tightening the implant or treating any underlying problems.
Pain, pus, redness, or swelling around the implant are indicators of an infection in the implant site. Other symptoms include fever, chronic swelling, or an unpleasant taste in the mouth.
This can easily lead to implant failure, requiring the removal of the implant. In fact, according to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, 5–10% of dental implants may fail due to infection or incorrect healing. Afterward, conducting a bone graft is often necessary before considering inserting another implant.
Fortunately, dental implant infections are treatable, especially if caught early. The usual course of treatment entails:
Still, preventing infections is always more effective than treating them. To do so, maintaining proper dental hygiene is key. Make sure you see your dentist regularly for professional cleanings, and brush and floss frequently.
Occasionally, the crown connected to your implant may chip or shatter due to wear and tear or trauma. Because impaired crowns can affect appearance and functionality, they must be repaired immediately.
If your crown breaks, don’t panic. Don’t attempt to replace a cracked or loose crown on your own—instead, contact your dentist about a replacement or repair immediately. More often than not, the implant itself hasn’t been harmed, and by simply replacing the crown, you’ll be able to smile brightly right away.
Meanwhile, avoid chewing on the broken crown and keep the surrounding area clean to avoid further complications. Apply dental wax if there are any sharp edges to protect delicate tissue from damage.
It is normal to experience bleeding following implant surgery, but only for the first 24 to 48 hours. If it persists for more than 24 hours, it is critical to seek professional help, as deep bleeding indicates a serious dental implant emergency requiring immediate care.
In the meantime, you can manage bleeding by biting down on a gauze pad for 10 to 15 minutes. Avoid spitting or drinking hot liquids, as these actions may worsen the situation.
Addressing implant-related emergencies right away is fundamental to preventing very serious, health-related complications.
Ignoring discomfort from an implant problem can lead to prolonged pain, difficulty chewing, and overall decreased quality of life. If an implant becomes unstable or infected, it can affect neighboring teeth and gum tissue, leading to additional dental problems that may require further intervention.
Additionally, delays in treatment can lead to implant failure, necessitating its removal and a potentially lengthy and expensive replacement process. In cases where bone loss has occurred, bone grafting may be needed before a new implant can be placed.
Moreover, if bacteria infiltrate the implant site, they can cause an infection that spreads into the surrounding bone and soft tissue. If left untreated, peri-implantitis can lead to significant bone deterioration, compromising not only the implant but also adjacent teeth and overall oral health.
Oral infections, including peri-implantitis, also allow for bacteria to enter the bloodstream, increasing the risk of systemic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes complications, and respiratory infections. For that reason, discomfort and infection symptoms around the implant area should not be ignored.
While some emergencies are unavoidable, many can be prevented with proper care. Dental implants are a long-term solution, but they require maintenance and attention. Some proper care tips include:
Your implants will last longer if you take preventative measures and deal with problems immediately. Do not be afraid to consult a professional if you have any questions about dental implants. Early intervention is the secret to keeping your smile intact and your oral health at its best.
Dental implants are a popular and reliable method of replacing lost teeth. However, emergencies can occasionally occur, just like with any dental procedure. You can protect your oral health, reduce discomfort, and save time by being aware of how to react to these situations.
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should immediately contact Coral Gables Dentistry for an assessment and treatment. Prompt attention can help prevent complications and keep your implant intact!
We value your time, so we always run on schedule, respecting your commitments, with no double bookings and minimal wait times. Experience dentistry like never before in our award-winning clinic.
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