If you’re dealing with pain, swelling, or other problems around your dental implant, you’re probably feeling frustrated and maybe even a little scared about the future of your smile. After all, implants are supposed to be a long-term solution to tooth loss. The good news is, you’re not alone, and help is available. At Fort Washington Dental Associates, we understand how upsetting this situation can be, and we want you to know there are treatment options that may be able to save your dental implant and get your smile back on track.
Let’s talk about why dental implants fail, what signs to watch for, and how we can help you protect your investment in your health and confidence with failing dental implant treatments in Washington Heights.
Why Do Dental Implants Fail?
Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime, and for most people, they do. In fact, dental implants have a success rate of over 90%. However, like natural teeth, they can sometimes run into problems. Common reasons for dental implant failure include:
- Poor oral hygiene leading to gum disease around the implant
- Smoking, which can slow healing
- Medical conditions like diabetes that affect bone health
- Too much pressure on the implant from teeth grinding
- Improper placement or not enough bone to support the implant
One of the main culprits behind dental implant problems is something called peri-implantitis. This is an infection and inflammation in the gums and bone around the implant, similar to gum disease. Over time, peri-implantitis can cause the bone to shrink away, making the implant loose. Even though implants are built to last for years, problems like these can pop up later and cause dental implant problems years after your initial surgery.
What Are the Signs of a Dental Implant Failure?
It’s important to catch problems early so you can get the right treatment. Here are some warning signs to watch for:
- Pain or discomfort around the implant
- Swelling or redness in the gums
- Bleeding when you brush or floss near the implant
- The implant feeling loose
- Pus or discharge from the gums
- Trouble chewing or biting down
If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait. Reach out to us right away. Early action can make all the difference.
Can an Infected Dental Implant Be Saved?
Yes, in many cases, an infected or failing dental implant can be saved! The key is catching the problem early and using the right treatment. Whether or not your implant can be saved depends on a few things:
- How long it’s been since your implant surgery
- How severe the infection or damage is
- Your overall health and whether you have conditions like diabetes
- Whether you smoke or have other risk factors
The sooner you seek care, the better your chances are of saving your implant. That’s where LAPIP comes in. This minimally invasive laser therapy is a proven solution for treating dental implant problems and preventing failure.
LAPIP: A Proven Solution to Many Dental Implant Problems
LAPIP stands for Laser-Assisted Peri-Implantitis Procedure. It’s a gentle yet powerful treatment that uses laser technology to clean out the infection around your implant without damaging the healthy bone or gum tissue. Unlike traditional surgery, LAPIP doesn’t involve cutting or stitches, which means less pain and faster healing.
Our team at Fort Washington Dental Associates is proud to provide this cutting-edge treatment for failing dental implants in Washington Heights. We’ve used it to help many patients save their implants and avoid the stress and cost of implant removal and replacement.
What Is the LAPIP Process for Preventing Dental Implant Failure?
LAPIP is a non-surgical treatment for failing dental implants that targets the bacteria causing the infection. The special wavelengths are absorbed by bacteria, contaminants, and infected tissue without causing damage to healthy cells. In fact, the laser stimulates your healthy gum and bone cells, stimulating healing and even encouraging the bone to regrow around the implant, improving stability long-term.
Here’s what you can expect if you move forward with LAPIP treatment:
- First, we’ll carefully examine your implant and take X-rays to see how much damage there is.
- Before we begin, we’ll thoroughly numb the area to ensure you’re completely comfortable throughout the procedure.
- During the LAPIP procedure, we’ll insert the laser (only as wide as about three human hairs) into the gum pocket around the implant post. The first application vaporizes infected tissue and harmful bacteria around the implant.
- We’ll flush out any debris, hardened deposits, and contaminants from under the gums to create a completely clean environment.
- Finally, we’ll apply the laser a second time at a setting that stimulates your healthy cells. This creates a sticky clot to seal the site, providing a protected environment for better healing, and starts the bone regeneration process.
- After the treatment, you’ll come in for follow-up visits so we can check your progress and make sure your implant is stable and healthy again. Then, we’ll stick with you long-term to keep your implants healthy and prevent any further issues in the future.
The whole process is designed to be as comfortable as possible, and it gives you a real chance to save your smile without surgery.
Your Smile Is Worth Saving!
We know how much time, money, and care you’ve invested in your dental implants. If you’re facing dental implant problems, don’t give up hope. Treatments like LAPIP have helped many patients just like you, and we’re here to help you, too.
Your smile is worth saving, and so is your confidence. Call us today to schedule a consultation and find out if LAPIP is right for you. Let’s work together to protect your smile for years to come!
