Dental implants are the best tooth replacement option out there. Since they replace the roots of the missing teeth, they allow for a wide range of additional benefits that you can’t achieve with dentures or dental bridges. One of the most notable ones is their astonishing success rate of over 95%, which can hold true even after decades! However, failure is still possible if you aren’t careful. Continue reading to learn the causes of dental implant failure and how you can prevent it.
What Causes Dental Implant Failure?
There are various reasons why dental implants can fail. Most of the time, it is due to one of the following.
- Peri-implantitis: The most common reason behind dental implant failure is peri-implantitis. This is an infection of the gum tissue that surrounds the implant. This can result from poor dental hygiene and untreated gum disease.
- Jawbone Loss: Bone loss occurs when you are missing teeth. This is because the root of the missing tooth isn’t there to stimulate the jawbone with regular chewing. When a dental implant is placed in an area with inadequate bone tissue, it may not fuse to the jawbone properly. This is why many patients require bone grafting before getting implants.
- Trauma: If you experience an injury to your mouth, it’s possible that your dental implant could become dislodged.
5 Ways to Prevent Dental Implant Failure
In many cases, dental implant failure can be prevented. Here are some ways that you can keep your new smile in great shape!
- Oral Hygiene: Dental implants cannot decay like teeth do, but you still need to take good care of them to prevent gum infections. Make sure that you are brushing twice and flossing every day.
- See Your Dentist: By visiting your dentist every six months for cleanings and checkups, they can check and ensure that your dental implants are in good health and healing productively. If any issues arise, they can be addressed sooner rather than later.
- Don’t Smoke: Smoking and other tobacco products interfere with the healing process after dental implant placement surgery. You should refrain from smoking for at least a few months following your procedure.
- Get Plenty of Calcium: Calcium is necessary to maintain strong bones and teeth. This mineral can be found in milk, yogurt, broccoli, oranges, and cheese.
- Avoid Bad Habits; You shouldn’t munch down on hard candies or chew on ice/use your teeth as tools. Ask your dentist about getting a nightguard if you grind or clench your teeth as you sleep.
Dental implant failure is unlikely, but it is possible. By using the tips listed above, you can reduce your risks and enjoy a complete smile for many years into the future.
About the Practice
At Comal Dental, Dr. Aaron Haag and Dr. Sarah Hansen work together to treat patients in the New Braunfels area. They both earned their dental doctorates from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry. If you have concerns regarding your dental implants or want to learn more, they would be happy to help. They offer start-to-finish implant treatment and all-on-4 for those with more extensive tooth loss. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (830) 999-2492.