Dental implants are the best tooth replacement option out there, and they are the preferred choice by dentists and patients alike! They have so many benefits – like their incredible success rate of over 95%! That being said, dental implant failure can still happen in rare occasions, so it’s always important to be on the lookout for signs that something is wrong. Continue reading to learn how you can recognize and prevent dental implant failure.
What Are the Signs of Dental Implant Failure?
Whether you are experiencing early or late-stage dental implant failure, here are some of the symptoms that you will likely pick up on:
- Difficulty chewing
- Gum inflammation
- Gum recession
- Increased swelling
- Loosening of an implant
- Pain or discomfort
4 Ways to Prevent Dental Implant Failure
Here are some important steps to take to keep your dental implants in excellent shape:
- Excellent Oral Hygiene: The most obvious thing you can do to keep your implants and surrounding teeth healthy is maintain an excellent oral hygiene routine. This includes brushing twice, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash every day. Be sure to closely follow the instructions of your dentist after your procedure. Routine cleanings and checkups are also a must!
- Don’t Smoke: Tobacco products restrict blood flow to the gums, therefore slowing the healing process, increasing your risk of infection. Smokers have dental implant failure rates that are 20% higher! If you smoke, you aren’t necessarily disqualified from getting dental implants, but it’s important that you refrain from smoking for at least a week before and several months after your surgery.
- Gum Disease Treatment: To qualify for dental implants, you need to have healthy gum tissue. This is because gum disease can cause permanent damage to the gums and jawbone. When left untreated, it can lead to dental implant failure. If you have gum disease, you will need to undergo gum disease treatment before you can get implants. If you already have dental implants and are noticing signs of gum disease, you should have this addressed as soon as possible.
- Discuss Medical History: Some health conditions and medications can affect your ability to heal after a procedure. This can prevent the fusion process from taking place as it normally would. Be open with your dentist about medications that you are taking and health issues you have so they can be considered throughout your treatment.
Despite their excellent success rate, it’s important that you take all of the necessary precautions to prevent dental implant failure. By using the tips listed above, you can increase your dental implants’ chances of success!
About the Author
Dr. David M. Fisher, Jr is an experienced dentist who has been practicing at his over for well over 20 years! He earned his dental doctorate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and has remained committed to continuing education. If you have concerns about your dental implants, he’d be happy to take a look. For more information or to schedule an appointment at his office in Greensboro, visit his website or call (336) 288-1242.