A dental implant can function comfortably for many years, so new movement, soreness, swelling, or a change in your bite should be checked. At Restorative and Implant Dentistry of Long Island (RIDLI), led by Mitchell B. Shaw, DDS, we evaluate dental implant concerns for patients in Melville, NY. With more than 40 years in restorative dentistry, Dr. Shaw began restoring implants in 1985 and has restored more than 1,500 implants.
Warning Signs That an Implant Needs Attention
Changes around an implant can come from the fixture itself, the surrounding gums, or the crown or bridge attached to it. Signs worth having checked include:
- Movement in the implant-supported tooth
- Ongoing soreness or discomfort
- Red, tender, swollen, or bleeding gums
- A new change in the way your teeth meet
- A crown or bridge that feels loose
- Drainage, an unusual taste, or difficulty cleaning the area
The American Academy of Periodontology notes that redness, tenderness, and bleeding around implants can be signs of peri-implant disease. Good home care and regular professional monitoring matter because inflammation can progress and affect the bone supporting the implant.
A Loose Crown Does Not Always Mean Implant Failure
If the visible tooth or bridge moves, the fixture anchored in the bone may still be stable. A dental crown, bridge, screw, or another restorative component can loosen or wear without the underlying implant failing.
What happens next depends on which part is loose, damaged, or inflamed. Some issues may be corrected by repairing or replacing the restoration, while inflammation in the surrounding tissues may call for periodontal treatment and closer maintenance. An exam helps us identify where the concern starts before recommending treatment.
Can a Failing Dental Implant Be Saved?
Sometimes. Whether an implant can remain in place depends on its stability, bone support, surrounding tissues, and the condition of the restoration. An implant that is mobile or has significant bone loss presents a different situation from one with a loose crown or early gum inflammation.
Our full arch implant care also includes consultations for implant rescue cases when previous treatment is uncomfortable, unstable, hard to maintain, or not meeting a patient’s expectations. Dr. Shaw looks at the implant, restoration, bite, appearance, and supporting structures together before discussing what may be possible.
Have Your Dental Implant Checked in Melville, NY
Movement, swelling, bleeding, soreness, or a bite change around an implant is worth evaluating rather than watching indefinitely. Contact us at Restorative and Implant Dentistry of Long Island in Melville, NY, or call 631-271-1522 to have Dr. Shaw examine the area and discuss your restorative options.
