Dental implants are designed to last for many years, even a lifetime. With over 3 million implants placed annually in the United States, they’re durable, reduce premature aging, protect your oral health, and act just like natural teeth. However, like natural teeth, you can damage your implants, requiring care from a restorative dentist.
At Haven Dentistry, our Richmond, TX, dental implant restoration can fix problems with your implant to get you back to enjoying your smile. Check out four signs that you may need this specialized help from our team.
What’s Involved in Dental Implant Restoration?
The term might sound like a mouthful, but dental implant restoration is simply the process of repairing or replacing parts of a tooth implant. Our Richmond, TX, restorative dentist helps fix issues that can arise with the implant itself, the abutment, or the crown that sits on top. This is crucial because it keeps your entire dental structure balanced and healthy, preventing more extensive dental issues down the road.
Warning Sign #1: Persistent Dental Implant Pain
While some discomfort is expected immediately after getting an implant, continual pain is not. If you’re experiencing ongoing pain or discomfort around your implant, it might be a sign of an underlying issue like an infection or improper healing. It’s essential to address this promptly with dental implant restoration in Richmond, TX. We can help prevent further damage to the implant and surrounding bone.
Warning Sign #2: Swelling or Inflammation around Implants
These symptoms anywhere in your body can indicate an infection, and your mouth is no exception. A swollen or inflamed implant could also be an allergic reaction to the implant materials. While we use biocompatible materials at Haven Dentistry, everyone’s body is different. If you notice persistent swelling, our Richmond restorative dentist can work to treat inflammation, find the source, and solve the problem.
Warning Sign #3: Implant Feels Different
One of the best features of dental implants is that they feel like natural teeth. If you start to notice changes in how the implant feels, it could indicate a problem. Look out for issues like:
- Increased Sensitivity
- Looseness
- Unusual Sensations
- Edges on the Crown
- Roughness
Really, anything that sticks out to you, even if you can’t quite put your finger on it, is worth asking our implant dentist about. We want to catch issues like cracked crowns or implant instability early to avoid more extensive problems like gum recession, bone loss, or implant failure.
Warning Sign #4: Difficulty Eating or Speaking with Implants
Dental implants should improve your ability to eat and speak, not hinder it. If you suddenly experience difficulty chewing or notice a change in your speech, it could be a sign that the implant is failing. These functional issues may be due to misalignment, loosening, or even fractures. Don’t settle for anything less than a perfectly working implant. Address these problems early with Richmond, TX, dental implant restoration.
Richmond Restorative Dentist: Don’t Ignore the Signs
Don’t overlook the warning signs of possible implant issues—they could spell trouble for your oral health down the road. If you notice any of the symptoms listed, reach out for Richmond, TX, dental implant restoration at Haven Dentistry. Acting now can save your implant, avoid more complicated procedures later, and get you back to smiling.
