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Why Do Dental Implants Fail? What You Should Know About Dental Implant Failure

Jan 26, 2021
Why Do Dental Implants Fail? What You Should Know About Dental Implant Failure
How to Reduce the Risk of Dental Implant Failure Dental implants, otherwise known as tooth implants or denture implants, have become a popular option for those looking to get rid of their old dentures.

How to Reduce the Risk of Dental Implant Failure

Dental implants, otherwise known as tooth implants or denture implants, have become a popular option for those looking to get rid of their old dentures. Implants are often used when a patient has experienced tooth loss related to plaque and tartar buildup, tooth decay, and gum disease. Implants differ from other tooth replacement options because they replace both the root and the tooth.

When you don’t replace a lost tooth, it can lead to other issues in your mouth. For example, the gap left by the missing tooth can cause other teeth to shift. These shifts in your teeth and the resulting bite can lead to problems with how your teeth come together (referred to as your dental occlusion) and can have other impacts on your life besides just in your mouth.

Though dental implants are an excellent solution in most cases, there is always a risk of dental implant failure. And even if you are concerned about how much dental implants cost and want to ensure that the cost is worth it, the chances of a failure are slim. However, it is essential to understand the factors that influence whether your dental implants will succeed.

Before having any dental procedure, it is important to understand the facts. In particular, with dental implants, you should understand the tooth implant process and what your dentist will be looking for to improve the rate of success.

Common Causes of Dental Implant Failure

  • Contamination of the dental implant surface: Contamination can occur from an adjacent tooth, the implant cement, or titanium particles that cause inflammation and tissue breakdown. An experienced dentist, however, can take the appropriate steps to avoid this from occurring.
  • Lack of solid bone structure: To place the implant, you must have a solid bone structure to hold the implant. When sufficient bone structure does not exist, your dentist may consider a bone graft.
  • The occurrence of peri-implantitis: For the highest chances of dental implant success, your dentist will want to ensure your gums are in good healthPeriodontitis (gum disease) is a severe infection that causes damage to your gums’ soft tissues. If periodontitis is not adequately treated, it can destroy the bones that support your teeth and lead to tooth loss. Peri-implantitis starts as a bacteria that forms in your gums surrounding the implant and can damage your gums and teeth.
  • Poor placement of your dental implants: During the dental implant process, your oral surgeon will make a cut to expose the bone and open your gum. Holes will be drilled deep into the bone where the post of the metal implant will be placed. When the implant is not properly placed, there is a higher risk of dental implant failure.
  • Overheating of the bone at the time of dental implant placement: The drills used during the dental implant process cause frictional heat that causes some necrosis around the nearby cells. Your dentist or oral surgeon will pay close attention during the dental implant placement process to ensure your bone does not overheat, negating the severity of necrosis as much as possible.

What You Can Do to Lessen the Chance of Dental Implant Failure

Though most of the responsibility for dental implant success falls to the dentist or oral surgeon, there are things the dental patient can do to greaten the chances of success. In particular, the First Dental Associates team suggests that patients do the following:

  • Take steps to maintain a robust immune system: Proper diet and exercise, along with occasional nutritional supplements, can help you build a robust immune system. If you are ill or feeling anything but your best, you should not proceed with dental implant surgery. The most significant success rate will occur when you are in good health and your immune system is not compromised.
  • Ensure proper dental care: Proper dental care and oral hygiene is necessary to improve your chances of dental implant success. Proper oral hygiene means taking steps to love your teeth. Proper brushing and flossing, the use of fluoride toothpaste, and visits to the dentist at least twice a year for professional cleaning can help keep your mouth healthy and strong. In addition, refraining from drug use, smoking, or excessive alcohol consumption is highly recommended.
  • Learn new habits: If you are a tooth grinder or nail biter, be sure to let your dentist know so they can partner with you on proper strategies to moderate or cure these habits.

The First Dental Associates team is your dental implant expert in Reading, MA.

If you are considering dental implants to replace your dentures or missing teeth, Dr. Sadeghi, Dr. Singh, and Dr. Tang can help, and there is no more need to search online for “dental implants near me.” Sure, there is always the chance of dental implant failure, but today’s success rate is higher than ever. With an experienced dentist or surgeon, it is possible to prevent unnecessary failure. And in the worst-case scenario, your dentist can repeat the dental implant procedure.

If you’re ready to start your dental implant journey, schedule an appointment online or contact us so we can help answer your questions about dental implants.