Your dental implants are meant to bring comfort, confidence, and a reason to smile every day. But sometimes, even the best Howell implants can send subtle signals that something isn’t quite right. Would you be able to recognize them?
At Sincere Smiles Dental, we care about your long-term health and happiness, which is why we believe in catching concerns before they become larger problems. To help you know what to look for, we’ve put together a list of common signs of implant complications. Let’s explore those early red flags together.
1. Persistent Pain or Discomfort
After your implant procedure, some discomfort is normal as the area heals. However, this initial tenderness should steadily lessen over the first week or two and can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. If you experience pain that lingers, gets worse, or appears weeks or months after your procedure, it’s a red flag.
Pay attention to:
- Throbbing Pain
- Dull Ache Around the Implant Site
- Sharp Pain When Biting Down
This type of discomfort isn’t a normal part of the healing process and could indicate an issue like an infection or improper integration of the implant. Don’t just hope it goes away; it’s best to get it checked out.
2. Gum Swelling or Inflammation
Minor swelling is expected immediately following the placement of implants in Howell. This should peak within the first few days and then gradually subside. If you notice swelling returning around the implant site long after the initial healing period, or if the gums look unusually red, puffy, or inflamed, it’s a cause for concern.
This inflammation, known as peri-implant mucositis, is an early stage of gum disease around an implant. It’s often caused by plaque buildup and is reversible if caught early. Left untreated, it can progress to a more serious condition called peri-implantitis, which can lead to bone loss and implant failure.
3. The Implant Feels Loose or Wobbly
Your dental implant should feel just as stable and secure as a natural tooth. The implant post is designed to fuse directly with your jawbone in a process called osseointegration. Once this process is complete, the implant should be completely solid.
If you feel any movement or looseness, it’s a major warning sign for your Howell implants. This could mean the implant has failed to integrate with the bone properly. In other cases, the looseness might not be the implant itself but the dental crown or abutment (the connector piece) on top. Either way, any movement is not normal and requires an immediate evaluation from the team at Sincere Smiles Dental.
4. Difficulty Chewing or Biting
One of the greatest benefits of dental implants is getting back the ability to bite and chew normally. You should be able to eat comfortably once the implant has fully healed and the final crown is in place. If you find yourself avoiding chewing on the side with the implant because it hurts, causes pressure, or feels awkward, take note.
These challenges could stem from a poorly aligned bite, a loose crown, or inflammation around the implant. Our dental team can assess the situation to ensure your implants are functioning as they should. We want to get you back to enjoying meals without a second thought.
5. Bleeding or Pus Around the Implant
You shouldn’t see any bleeding around a healed dental implant during brushing or for any other reason. Healthy gums are firm and don’t bleed easily. If you notice bleeding when you clean around your implant, it’s an early indicator of gum inflammation.
Even more serious is the presence of pus or a bad taste coming from the implant area. This is a clear sign of infection that needs urgent professional attention. An infection can damage the bone supporting the implant, so prompt treatment is critical to saving your implant and protecting your overall health.
Keep Your Howell Implants Healthy with Our Help
Noticing any of these signs? Just have some concerns or questions about your Howell implants? Reach out to Sincere Smiles Dental. We’re happy to provide answers or check out anything that seems off about your implant. Early intervention is the best way to keep your implant a healthy, functional, and beautiful part of your smile for many years to come. Book a visit today to get answers and keep smiling.