Dental implants are a great solution for lost teeth. They are significantly more effective than dental bridges and other tooth replacement options. That said, just like bridges or healthy teeth, they can have issues. Patients with dental implants should see a dentist at least twice a year. During regular dental appointments, your dentist can look for any signs of issues with your dental implant. Just because they are false teeth doesn’t mean they cannot have issues. In this guide, we will cover how to handle dental implant emergencies, when to see a dentist, and how to prevent issues with your dental implants. For dental implant specialists in Massachusetts, Dr. Emma Wu & Associates has two offices. You can book appointments with either our North Andover or Belmont practice.
Common Dental Implant Emergencies
If you are experiencing swelling, looseness, or severe pain around your dental implant, you should see an emergency same-day dentist. Ideally, you should look for an emergency dentist in your area that works with dental implants; otherwise, you may end up at a practice that is not equipped to help you. Any signs of movement, shifting, or looseness in either the implant crown or implant itself should be addressed right away. Moreover, if you have signs of infection, including a foul taste, pus, or a fever accompanied by other symptoms, you should contact a dentist. Dental implants can sometimes get infected when harmful bacteria attack the gum tissue around the implant.
Signs That There Is An Issue With Your Dental Implant
If you see exposed metal, have difficulty chewing on your implant, or notice receding, tender gums around your dental implant, you should consider making a dental appointment with an implant specialist. These are all signs that there may be an issue with your dental implant or the surrounding gum tissue. Ideally, patients should see their dentist twice a year so that these problems can be found as early as possible to prevent dental issues down the line.
How To Prevent Issues with Dental Implants
Peri-implantitis, or an infection around the site of a dental implant, is preventable. Just like dental cavities and gum disease, having strong daily habits can protect your dental implant. Make sure to brush and floss your teeth daily, see your dentist twice per year, and eat a healthy diet. Following these steps routinely helps prevent gum disease and infections. For your dental implant, it can be helpful to use a water flosser to safely remove food debris around the site of your implant.
Dental Implant Dentist in Belmont & North Andover
Dr. Emma Wu and her team work in both Belmont and North Andover to help patients with dental implants. If you have questions about your implant or need help addressing a specific issue, we can help. Give us a call to set up an appointment at one of our offices.
