By Landmark Dental – Your Trusted Dentist in Kearny Mesa, San Diego
Dental implants are one of the most trusted and long-lasting solutions for missing teeth. Designed to function just like natural teeth, they provide not only a cosmetic replacement but also restore full chewing ability and preserve jawbone health. However, just like any dental restoration, implants can occasionally face complications over time. Understanding the warning signs that your dental implant may need repair can help you address problems early, prevent more serious issues, and protect your oral health.
If you’re experiencing discomfort or changes around a previously successful implant, don’t ignore them. Let’s explore the key signs that could indicate your dental implant is in need of professional attention.
Pain or Discomfort Around the Implant
While some sensitivity is normal during the healing phase after implant placement, persistent or worsening pain months or years after surgery is not typical. Chronic discomfort, throbbing, or sharp pain near the implant could suggest several issues — ranging from gum infection to bone loss or even implant failure.
Pain might stem from peri-implantitis, a condition similar to gum disease, where inflammation develops around the implant due to bacteria buildup. This can eventually lead to damage in the supporting bone structure if untreated. If you’re feeling discomfort that wasn’t present before, it’s essential to contact your dentist in Kearny Mesa, San Diego, for a prompt evaluation.
Loose Implant or Movement
A properly integrated dental implant should feel just like a natural tooth — secure and immobile. If you notice any kind of shifting or wiggling, it could indicate a problem. Sometimes, it’s not the implant itself that is loose, but rather the abutment (the connector between the implant and crown) or the crown on top. In other cases, the implant may not have fused properly with the jawbone (a process known as osseointegration), leading to a failing implant.
Even minimal movement is a red flag and should be evaluated as soon as possible. Early intervention can often save the implant and restore full function without needing to replace the entire unit.
Gum Inflammation or Receding Gums
Healthy gums are a crucial part of a stable dental implant. If you notice red, swollen, or bleeding gums around the implant, it could be a sign of infection or gum disease. In particular, peri-implant mucositis is an early-stage inflammatory condition that can progress to peri-implantitis if untreated. Both can threaten the stability of your implant and the health of surrounding tissues.
Receding gums around the implant can also expose the underlying titanium post, creating an esthetic concern and increasing the risk of bacterial infiltration. Patients in Kearny Mesa often visit us with concerns about visible implant margins or gum shrinkage — both of which may require gum grafting or professional repair.
Difficulty Chewing or Biting
Dental implants are designed to restore your full biting and chewing ability, so if you’re finding it difficult to eat foods that you once handled with ease, something may be off. You may feel discomfort when applying pressure or notice that your bite feels uneven. This can occur if the crown is loose, misaligned, or cracked, or if there is a deeper issue with the implant or supporting bone.
If chewing becomes problematic, it’s a sign that your implant may no longer be functioning properly. At Landmark Dental in San Diego, we can assess the implant site and determine whether a simple adjustment, replacement crown, or deeper repair is needed.
Unusual Sensations or Pressure
Some patients report feeling odd sensations around their dental implant, such as a tingling, numbing, or unnatural pressure. These feelings could point to nerve involvement, particularly if the implant was placed close to a nerve pathway. In some cases, bone loss or shifting can also lead to changes in how the implant feels.
While not always painful, these unusual sensations should not be ignored. Your dentist in Kearny Mesa can conduct imaging and diagnostic tests to determine if the implant is placing pressure on adjacent structures or if an underlying infection is present.
Visible Cracks or Damage to the Crown
The visible part of your dental implant — the crown — is crafted from durable materials like ceramic or porcelain-fused-to-metal, but it’s not indestructible. Over time, wear and tear or trauma (such as grinding, clenching, or an accident) can cause chipping or cracking of the crown.
While minor damage might seem like a purely esthetic issue, it can lead to functional problems, including exposed margins, food entrapment, or difficulty cleaning around the implant. In such cases, replacing the crown is often the best course of action to restore both appearance and function.
What to Do If You Notice These Signs
Noticing any of these signs doesn’t automatically mean your implant has failed. In many cases, early treatment can resolve the issue and preserve the implant. Here’s what you should do:
1. Contact Your Dental Office Immediately
Reach out to a qualified implant dentist in Kearny Mesa, San Diego — like the team at Landmark Dental. We have the tools and experience to assess, diagnose, and address implant issues effectively.
2. Avoid Aggravating the Area
Until you can be seen, avoid putting excessive pressure on the implant. Stick to soft foods and avoid chewing on that side of your mouth.
3. Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene
Continue brushing and flossing around the implant gently, but thoroughly. Bacteria buildup can worsen infections, so staying clean is key.
4. Prepare for Imaging or a Follow-Up Plan
Your dentist may recommend X-rays or a 3D scan to evaluate the implant, supporting bone, and soft tissues. Based on these findings, treatment could range from a crown replacement to gum therapy or implant revision.
Trust Your Implant to Experts in Kearny Mesa, San Diego
At Landmark Dental, we take pride in helping patients protect their long-term investment in dental implants. If you’re experiencing any signs that your implant may need repair — from pain and inflammation to visible damage or bite changes — our team is here to help.
Our San Diego-based dental office in Kearny Mesa specializes in restorative and esthetic solutions that combine clinical precision with patient comfort. Whether you need a minor adjustment or comprehensive implant evaluation, we’re committed to helping you maintain a healthy, confident smile.
Looking for expert care for your dental implants in Kearny Mesa, San Diego? Contact Landmark Dental today to schedule your evaluation.