Dental implants are built to last, and for the most part, they do. They’re strong, dependable, and usually feel just like real teeth. But nothing in your mouth lasts forever, not fillings, not crowns, not even implants. Over time, wear and tear can creep in. You might notice discomfort, or something might just feel off.
If you live in Houston and you’re starting to question whether your implant is still doing its job, this guide is here to help. At All Stars Dental, Dr. Tran and his team offer high-quality dental implant restoration in Houston. They have seen it all and they know what to look for.
Here are the signs that might mean it’s time for a check-up or a little fix.
1. Your Implant Feels Loose or Unsteady
Like a real tooth, a healthy dental implant should feel stable. It shouldn’t shift, wiggle, or move at all. If it does, even a little, that’s your cue to pay attention.
Sometimes, it’s just the crown on top that needs adjusting. In other cases, the actual implant post might be losing its grip in the bone. That’s a more serious issue, but the good news is it’s often treatable if you catch it early.
We have helped plenty of patients in this exact situation. The fix might be something as simple as tightening the crown. But if you wait too long, that loose feeling can turn into a bigger problem that affects the entire implant. You can save money, time, and stress by getting care early.
2. Swelling or Redness You Didn’t Notice Before
Feeling a little sore or swollen around your implant? Don’t brush it off. These changes could mean your gums are irritated or inflamed, sometimes due to something called peri-implantitis. It’s kind of like gum disease but specific to implants.
At All Stars Dental, we’ve caught issues like these before they turn serious. A simple cleaning and check-up is often enough to calm things down. But if you leave it too long, that inflammation might spread and affect the bone. Better to get ahead of it.
3. Pain While Chewing, Even Slightly
You shouldn’t have to think twice when chewing on an implant. If it hurts or feels off, don’t ignore it. Maybe your bite is misaligned. Maybe the crown isn’t sitting right. Even small discomfort can point to something deeper, like bone loss or shifting pressure.
It might feel like a dull ache, or it might be a sudden pinch every time you chew. Either way, it’s a red flag worth acting on.
4. Your Crown Looks Worn or Damaged
Even the best-made crowns can chip or wear down over time. Maybe you grind your teeth, or maybe you’ve just had it for a while. Either way, if the crown starts to crack or doesn’t match the color of the surrounding teeth anymore, it could be time for a replacement.
At All Stars Dental, we can match your crown to the shape, size, and shade of your natural teeth, so your smile looks great and feels balanced again.
5. Gum Recession or a Change in Appearance
Has your implant started to look longer? Are your gums pulling away from it? Gum recession can make the implant post visible, and it’s often a sign that something’s off below the surface. Bone loss is a common cause and that’s something you’ll want to catch early.
Sometimes the fix is simple. Other times, it may call for a bit more attention, like soft tissue grafting or bone support before restoring the crown.
Why Dental Implants Might Need Restoration
Several things can wear down or damage a dental implant, including:
- Clenching or grinding teeth (bruxism)
- Gum disease
- Aging crowns or materials
- Injury or trauma
- Poor oral hygiene
- Underlying health conditions like diabetes
In a study published in the Journal of Oral Implantology, researchers found that peri-implantitis affects up to 43% of implant patients over time. That means almost half of all implant wearers may face issues that require professional intervention. Early detection and maintenance play a huge role in keeping implants successful long-term.
What Patients Are Saying
Lilliana Gonzalez shared, “I can’t recommend All Star Dental enough! Dr. Tran is super knowledgeable and explains everything in detail. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to ask. I’ve been going there for over five years now, and Dr. Tran has always taken great care of me. Ms. Kristy at the front desk is also fantastic – from scheduling appointments to making sure I get the best care possible.”
Efrain Coronado said, “Great experience here at All Stars Dental! They do excellent work and make sure you’re always getting the best care/results. Come check them out for all your dental needs. Huge shoutout to Samantha for helping me get my teeth clean and super white.”
Ready to Restore Your Smile?
If something feels off with your implant—or if it’s been a while since your last check-up—reach out. All Stars Dental offers expert dental implant restoration Houston patients can count on.
Call (713) 526-2424 or book online at All Stars Dental. Let’s make sure your smile stays strong for the long haul.