FAILING, MISSING, OR KNOCKED OUT TEETH

UNDERSTANDING FAILING, MISSING, AND KNOCKED-OUT TEETH

A failing, missing, or knocked-out tooth refers to a dental condition where a tooth becomes dislodged, either partially or completely, from its socket.



  • Failing Tooth: A tooth that is deteriorating due to decay, infection, or structural damage. It may not be completely dislodged but is severely compromised.
  • Missing Tooth: A tooth that is entirely absent from its socket due to trauma, extraction, congenital absence, or failure to replace a lost tooth.
  • Knocked-Out Tooth: Also known as an avulsed tooth, this occurs when a tooth is completely displaced from its socket due to trauma or injury.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE A FAILING, MISSING, OR KNOCKED-OUT TOOTH

  • Failing Tooth: Seek dental care immediately to prevent further damage. Maintain good oral hygiene, avoid chewing on the affected side, and follow your dentist’s recommendations.
  • Knocked-Out Tooth: Time is crucial. Retrieve the tooth by handling only the crown, rinse it gently, and try reinserting it into the socket. If not possible, store it in milk and seek emergency dental care immediately.

FAILING DENTAL IMPLANTS

Dental implant failure can occur either during the initial healing phase or years later.


  • Early Implant Failure: Occurs within months of placement due to improper bone integration, infection, or implant mobility.
  • Late Implant Failure: Happens months or years later due to peri-implantitis (inflammation), bone loss, mechanical complications, or systemic health conditions.



Symptoms of implant failure include pain, swelling, implant mobility, gum recession, or infection. Treatment may involve non-surgical interventions like antibiotics and professional cleaning or more invasive procedures like implant removal and bone grafting. Preventive measures, including good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, can help minimize the risk of failure and ensure long-term implant success.