6 Signs Your Dental Implant Might Need a Check-Up (+ What to Do)

‍Dental implants in Montgomery, AL, are pretty amazing. They look and feel like real teeth, and with the right care, they can last a really long time.

But just like natural teeth, they’re not 100% maintenance-free. Even the most durable implants need a little TLC now and then, and sometimes, your implant might be trying to tell you it needs a professional check-up. The good news is that catching potential issues early can save you a lot of stress (and money) down the road.  

So, if you’re wondering whether that odd sensation or minor discomfort is something to be concerned about, this blog is here to help. Let’s dive into six common signs your dental implant might need a check-up — and what to do if you spot them.

1. You’re Feeling New or Lingering Pain

It’s totally normal to feel some discomfort right after getting an implant. It’s surgery, after all. But if you’re suddenly feeling pain months or even years later, that’s not something to ignore.

Whether it’s a dull ache, sharp jolt, or sensitivity around the area, new pain can signal a few different things, including:

• Infection around the implant
• Bone loss beneath the surface
• Pressure from a loose or poorly fitting crown

What to do: Book an appointment with your dentist ASAP. They’ll examine the area, possibly take an X-ray, and determine whether the implant is the issue or if something else is going on around it.

2. The Implant Feels Loose or Wobbly

One of the best things about dental implants is how solid they feel. They’re anchored right into your jawbone, so they’re supposed to be rock steady. If your implant starts feeling even slightly loose, it’s time for a check-up.

In many cases, the implant itself might not be loose; it could be the crown or abutment (the part that connects the implant to the crown). But either way, it’s not something that should move around.

What to do: Don’t try to wiggle or “test” it more (seriously, don’t). Call your dentist right away to get it checked. The earlier it’s addressed, the easier it is to fix.

3. Your Gums Are Swollen, Red, or Bleeding

Healthy gums mean a happy implant. But if your gums around the implant start looking angry — think swelling, redness, or bleeding when you brush — it could be a sign of peri-implantitis. That’s basically gum disease around an implant, and yes, it’s just as unpleasant as it sounds.

Peri-implantitis happens when bacteria sneak in around the implant’s base and start irritating the surrounding tissue and bone. Left untreated, it can lead to bone loss and, in the worst cases, implant failure.

What to do: Get it looked at quickly. In the early stages, your dentist might just do a deep cleaning. In more advanced cases, additional treatment or even surgery might be needed. The key is catching it early.

4. You’re Having Trouble Chewing or Biting

Remember how natural your implant felt when you first got it? If chewing starts to feel weird (like your bite is off or pressure feels uneven), there’s a good chance that something might have shifted.

This can happen if:

• The crown is worn down or damaged
• You grind your teeth (hello, bruxism)
• The implant is starting to move or tilt

What to do: Don’t just adjust your chewing to “the other side.” That can cause new issues. Call your dentist and have them check your bite alignment and the condition of the implant crown.

5. Bad Breath That Just Won’t Go Away

Persistent bad breath or a weird taste in your mouth could be more than just last night’s garlic pasta. It might be a sign of an infection or bacteria buildup around your implant.  

Even though dental implants in Montgomery, AL, themselves can’t decay like natural teeth, poor hygiene can still affect the tissue around them.

This is especially common if:

• You’ve been skipping flossing around your implant (yes, you still need to)
• There’s trapped food or plaque buildup
• There’s an infection brewing under the surface

What to do: Keep brushing and flossing, but also book a visit with your dental team. They can perform a deeper cleaning and ensure that everything below the gumline is healthy.

6. The Gum Around the Implant Looks Like It’s Receding

Your implant should look and feel natural, not like it’s “sticking out” or becoming more visible. If you notice your gumline pulling back or exposing part of the implant post, it’s likely a sign of tissue loss or bone loss underneath.

Gum recession around implants can be caused by the following:

• Poor brushing habits (aggressive scrubbing, anyone?)
• Gum disease or peri-implantitis
• Smoking or underlying health conditions

What to do: A gum graft or regenerative treatment might be needed to restore the area. But again, the sooner it’s caught, the simpler the solution.

So, What’s the Bottom Line?

If anything about your implant feels off, even if it seems small, don’t brush it off (pun intended). The truth is that dental implants are one of the most reliable and long-lasting options out there for replacing missing teeth. But just like anything else in your mouth, they still need regular check-ups and a little maintenance.

Staying ahead of potential problems means:

• Catching early signs of infection or bone loss
• Extending the life of your implant
• Avoiding more invasive (and expensive) procedures later

Keep Your Dental Implants in Montgomery, AL, Healthy with a Quick Check-Up

Dental implants are one of the best long-term solutions for missing teeth, but even the best need a little upkeep. If you've noticed pain, swelling, looseness, or anything that just doesn't feel right, it's always better to get it checked sooner rather than later.  

Most issues are easy to manage when caught early, and regular check-ups help ensure your implant stays strong, secure, and looking great. If you’re looking for a reliable practice, you’re definitely at the right place.

At Parkside Dental Care, we’re here to help you protect your smile and your investment. Whether you’ve had your implant for years or just recently got it, we’ll make sure everything is in great shape and answer any questions you’ve got.

So, if you feel like something’s off, don’t wait. Contact us today to schedule a visit, and let’s keep your dental implants (and your smile) healthy and worry-free!