Dental implants are the new gold standard based on reliability and longevity for replacing missing teeth. With your proper care, they will last for decades. However, like your natural teeth, dental implants are not indestructible. Over time, they might require repair or even replacement. Recognizing any signs of implant issues will help prevent more significant issues in the near future.
What Are the Causes of Dental Implant Failure?
Failure of a dental implant is not common, and it can happen due to several factors. One of the most common causes of implant failure is peri-implantitis. This condition is like gum disease. Due to your poor oral hygiene or consistent plaque buildup, the gum surrounding an implant will become inflamed. As a result, harmful oral bacteria will spread beneath the gum line and attack the tissue surrounding the implant posts.
Smoking is another reason for implant failure. The irritants in cigarettes and other tobacco products will impede gum and tissue healing. This can result in failure of this restoration. Other potential causes include improper surgical placement, poor oral hygiene, failed osseointegration, the bonding of the post to the jawbone, and other medical conditions.
Effective Ways to Prevent Dental Implant Failure
- Maintaining Optimal Oral Hygiene- Lack of proper oral care is one of the primary causes of dental implant failure. To make sure that your implant lasts a long time, it is essential to maintain good oral hygiene. Brush and floss your teeth daily, paying attention to the area around the implant. Your dentist might also prescribe a mouthwash to complement your daily oral care routine.
- Modify Your Diet- Soon after your implant surgery, you will be given specific instructions regarding your diet during the healing period. It is best to eat a soft diet for a few days after surgery to avoid irritation at the treatment site. Examples include yogurt, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, smoothies, pudding, etc. Even after your complete recovery, you should avoid biting down on any hard objects.
- Avoid Smoking- As mentioned above, smoking negatively impacts the success of dental implant surgery. It restricts blood flow to your gum and periodontal tissues, delaying proper healing. Many dentists strongly suggest quitting smoking before undergoing this treatment to make sure you do not face complications from smoking. By refraining from this habit before and after your procedure, you can improve your success rate for your dental implant.
- Follow Post-Surgical Guidelines- In addition to maintaining your proper oral care habits at home, it is also important to visit your dentist for follow-up appointments. Your dentist will make sure the implant post is healing properly, and if there are risk factors identified, they will address them promptly to avoid complications. Follow the instructions from your dentist to achieve a successful recovery.
- Visit Your Dentist Regularly for Checkups and Cleanings- Complement your at-home habits with an exam every six months. This is the best way to remain preventative.
- Wear a Nightguard- If you grind or clench your teeth at night, wear a night guard to protect your teeth and your implant.
Getting restorations with dental implants can be a life-changing procedure for you. It not only improves your smile but also restores your ability to eat and speak more comfortably. Despite the high success rate of this treatment, there are still no guarantees.