Dental implants have come a long way in the last few decades, and they’re now the healthiest, highest-quality, and most realistic method of replacing lost or damaged teeth. Some dental implants will even last you the rest of your life if you take proper care of them.
However, the success or failure of your dental implants depends on a variety of factors, many of which are within your control. Dental implant failure is very rare, but it can happen. So how can you prevent your dental implants from failing? Here’s what you need to know.
A Few Causes of Dental Implant Failure
Dental implants can fail for a variety of reasons, but the most common – and most preventable – are infection and bone loss.
Peri-implantitis is a kind of infection that forms around the implant and inside the gums. This infection is usually the result of poor dental hygiene following a dental implant procedure, and it can lead to further bone loss and implant failure.
It’s also possible that the implant may fail to integrate with your existing jawbone. This usually happens in patients with low jawbone density or in patients who suffer dental trauma after the implant procedure.
Symptoms of Failure: How to Tell if Your Dental Implants are Failing
While there are several different possible causes of implant failure, the signs are the same. You’ll know that your dental implants are failing if you start to experience severe pain or discomfort in or around your dental implants, if your gums are swollen or inflamed, or if your implant starts to become loose.
Treatment: What to Do About Failing Implants
The treatment for failing implants is dependent on the cause of the failure. In cases where a gum infection is causing the implants to fail – called peri-implantitis – the treatment may involve simply cleaning the implant and focusing on better oral hygiene practices in the future. If detected and treated early, peri-implantitis has a very positive prognosis.
In cases of damage to or stress on the bone around the implant, a bone graft may be required. Dental implants can only be placed in spots on the jawbone that have sufficient bone density. If jawbone loss or bone damage has caused an implant to fail, the treatment will involve a bone graft.
Dental Implant Care and Maintenance: How to Prevent Implant Failure
The prospect of having a dental implant fail can be a scary one. The good news is that preventing dental implant failure is actually quite easy.
The best way to keep your dental implants healthy – and in your mouth – is to practice good oral hygiene. Brush and floss twice daily, and use an alcohol-free antibacterial mouthwash.
Some changes to your diet may also be beneficial. Avoid hard candy and other foods that are rough on teeth.
You’ll also want to visit your dentist every three to six months to ensure that any issues that do arise can be treated early. Here at Badie Dental, Dr. Badie uses the latest in technological innovations to provide patients with high-quality dental implants that last. For more information or to schedule a consult with Dr. Badie, call (520) 325-3022.
