How to Recognize and Prevent a Dental Implant Failure

Dental implants are an advanced tooth replacement option, and they are the preferred choice by dentists and patients alike. They have numerous benefits including the fact that they are the only tooth replacement that replaces the root of the missing tooth, therefore preventing bone loss and providing additional stability. The success rate of dental implants is very impressive at 95%, but there is still a small chance that they can fail. Continue reading to learn some of the signs of dental implant failure and how you can prevent this from occurring.

What Are the Signs of a Dental Implant Failure?

If you’re experiencing an early or late-stage dental implant failure, here are a few symptoms that you may notice:

• Difficulty chewing
• Gum inflammation
• Gum recession
• Increased swelling
• Loosening of an implant
• Severe pain or discomfort

How Can You Prevent a Dental Implant Failure?

Fortunately, most dental implant failures can be avoided with proper care. Here are some of the steps that can help:

• Treat Periodontal Disease: It’s crucial that you have healthy gums before your get dental implants. Gum disease can damage both the gums and jawbone. When left untreated, it can ultimately lead to an implant failure. If you have gum disease, you need to undergo gum disease therapy before you have your implants placed.
• Don’t Smoke: Using tobacco products restricts the blood flow to the gums, therefore slowing the healing process. People who smoke have dental implant failure rates that are up to 20% higher than nonsmokers. If you smoke, you aren’t automatically disqualified from getting dental implants, but you will need to give up smoking for about a week before and several months after your surgery for the best possible outcome.
• Excellent Oral Hygiene: Make sure that you’re keeping up an excellent oral hygiene routine. Brush, floss, rinse, and follow the aftercare instructions of your dentist very closely after your procedure.
• Discuss Medication and Medical Conditions: Some conditions and medications can affect your ability to heal after a procedure. This can prevent the fusion process from taking place like it normally would. By being open with your dentist about any medications you take or health issues you have, they can be considered throughout the restoration of your smile.

Dental implants have a low failure rate, but you still need to take precautions. By using the steps listed above, you can give the future of your smile the best chance of success!

About the Author

Dr. Travis Rottman is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for a decade. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the Texas A&M Baylor College of Dentistry and has additional training and experience in oral conscious sedation, laser dentistry, and same-day dental care. Currently, he is a proud member of the Academy of General Dentistry. For more information on dental implants or to schedule an appointment at his office in Sachse, visit his website or call (972) 848-0073.