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What Tooth Implant Complications Need Emergency Care?

Patient with tooth pain in Tustin, CA

Got a dental implant that’s suddenly causing you serious pain or swelling? While dental implants are incredibly successful with a 95% success rate, tooth implant complications can still happen and sometimes need immediate attention. At Smile Tustin, Dr. Ezzy understands that when tooth implant complications arise, you need answers fast, and working alongside endodontist Dr. Golchert, the team provides comprehensive emergency implant care to address serious complications before they lead to implant failure.

Key Takeaways

  • Call Smile Tustin immediately if you experience severe pain, swelling, or signs of infection around your dental implant that could indicate serious tooth implant complications.
  • Dr. Ezzy provides same-day emergency appointments for urgent tooth implant complications and works with specialists when advanced treatment is needed.
  • Persistent pain, implant movement, or pus discharge are red flags that require immediate attention to prevent complete implant failure.
  • Acting quickly when tooth implant complications develop can often save the implant and prevent the need for costly replacement procedures.
  • Smile Tustin offers advanced diagnostic imaging to quickly identify the source of tooth implant complications and provide effective treatment.

Serious Tooth Implant Complications That Need Immediate Attention

Not all discomfort after implant surgery is normal, and knowing when tooth implant complications require emergency care could save your implant investment. Dr. Ezzy frequently sees patients dealing with severe, throbbing pain around their implant that doesn’t improve with over-the-counter pain relievers or actually gets worse over time. This type of persistent pain, especially when it’s accompanied by swelling or fever, often indicates infection or other serious tooth implant complications that need immediate professional attention.

Another major red flag is any movement or looseness in your implant, which Dr. Ezzy explains can happen due to failed bone integration, infection, or trauma to the implant site. If you notice pus or discharge around your implant, bad breath that won’t go away, or gums that are pulling away from the implant, these are all signs of potentially serious tooth implant complications. Difficulty chewing or sudden changes in how your bite feels can also indicate problems that shouldn’t wait for your next regular appointment.

tooth implant complications

Infection-Related Tooth Implant Complications Requiring Emergency Care

Infection is a serious complication of tooth implants that Dr. Ezzy treats as an emergency, as it can lead to implant failure if not addressed quickly. Peri-implantitis causes red, swollen, and bleeding gums around the implant and can destroy supporting bone. Symptoms like a persistent bad taste or foul breath warrant immediate care. 

Advanced infections may lead to fever, facial swelling, and severe pain. An emergency dentist like Dr. Ezzy can quickly assess the situation and determine if antibiotics or more extensive treatment are necessary. Timely intervention is crucial to prevent complications from spreading to surrounding tissues and affecting overall health.

Physical Tooth Implant Complications That Require Urgent Treatment

Some tooth implant complications involve physical damage or displacement that requires immediate professional intervention to prevent permanent problems. Dr. Ezzy explains that implant fracture or breakage, while rare, can occur due to trauma, excessive force, or underlying structural issues and needs emergency care to assess whether the implant can be saved or needs replacement. Similarly, if your implant crown becomes loose, cracked, or completely dislodged, this creates both functional problems and potential complications that should be addressed the same day.

Nerve damage is another serious category of tooth implant complications that Dr. Ezzy treats as an emergency, particularly when patients experience numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in their lips, chin, or tongue that don’t resolve within a few days of implant placement. Sinus complications from upper jaw implants, including persistent sinus pressure, nosebleeds, or fluid drainage, also fall into the category of tooth implant complications requiring urgent attention. During regular dental exams in Tustin, Dr. Ezzy monitors for early signs of these physical complications. Still, when symptoms develop suddenly or severely, emergency care becomes necessary to prevent long-term damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if my dental implant feels loose?

A loose implant is one of the more serious tooth implant complications and requires emergency care. Don’t try to push it back into place or ignore it, hoping it will tighten up on its own. Call Smile Tustin immediately, as early intervention may be able to save the implant through specialized treatment.

Are swollen gums around my implant always a sign of tooth implant complications?

While some initial swelling is normal after implant surgery, persistent, worsening, or recurring swelling around your implant often indicates infection or other tooth implant complications. If the swelling is accompanied by pain, discharge, or fever, contact Dr. Ezzy right away for emergency evaluation.

Can tooth implant complications develop years after the initial surgery?

Yes, tooth implant complications can occur at any time, even years or decades after successful initial healing. This is why regular check-ups are essential for early detection. If you notice sudden changes in your implant’s comfort, stability, or the surrounding tissues, don’t wait for your next scheduled appointment to seek care.

Get Emergency Care for Tooth Implant Complications Today

Don’t let tooth implant complications jeopardize your investment in your smile and oral health. Dr. Ezzy and her expert team at Smile Tustin are equipped to handle urgent tooth implant complications with advanced diagnostic tools and immediate treatment options, working with specialists like Dr. Golchert when complex cases arise. Call Smile Tustin right now for emergency appointments and get the expert care you need to address tooth implant complications before they lead to more serious problems.

Sources

Smile Tustin by Dr. Ezzy sources all content from reputable publications, subject matter experts, and peer-reviewed research to ensure factual accuracy. Discover how we verify information and maintain our standards for trustworthy, reliable content.

  1. Mayo Clinic. “Dental implant surgery.” Mayo Clinic Health Information. 2024.
  2. Cleveland Clinic. “Dental Implants: Surgery, Purpose & Benefits.” Cleveland Clinic Health Library. 2025.
  3. WebMD. “Risks Associated With Dental Implants.” WebMD Health Information. 2025.

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