Part of what makes dental implants such a good tooth replacement option is their incredible success rate. 95% of the time, dental implant treatments are successful – and that statistic stays constant even after 10 years from initial placement. But since there is a small, 5% chance they could fail, it’s a good idea to be familiar with signs that could indicate something’s wrong. Keep reading so you know what to watch out for!
You Might Be Experiencing Dental Implant Failure If…
Dental implant failure can look like other oral conditions, so it’s wise to schedule a visit with your dentist when you notice anything abnormal. Your restoration could be failing if you’re experiencing:
- Difficulties with chewing your food
- Swollen gums
- Shrinking gums
- Oral inflammation
- Loose implants
- Severe or lingering pain
Causes of Implant Failure and How to Avoid Them
A couple of different problems can lead to dental implant failure, though some of them are more common than others. Here’s a breakdown of potential causes and how you can avoid them:
Infection and Gum Disease
Like with most surgical procedures, there is a risk of developing an infection during or shortly after your dental implant treatment. Gum disease, meanwhile, could occur at any time if you don’t brush and floss on a daily basis. Brushing twice daily and flossing once per day can keep the bacteria content in your mouth low.
Insufficient Jawbone Mass
Dental implants are anchored to the jawbone, which means that in order to stay in place, there has to be a certain amount of bone mass for them to hold onto. Replacing missing teeth as soon as possible, eating a nutritious diet, and bone graft treatments can help prevent this issue.
Smoking
Habitual usage of tobacco products can increase your risk of dental implant failure significantly. The chemicals in cigarettes, cigars, dip, etc. slows down the body’s natural healing process by restricting blood flow, making it more difficult to have a smooth recovery. Try to quit or severely limit your smoking habits if you’re planning on getting dental implants.
Conclusion
Even if you do experience dental implant failure, your dentist may very well be able to salvage your restoration if the issue is addressed promptly. Be wary of any sudden changes with your oral health, and don’t hesitate to contact your dentist if something seems wrong!
About the Practice
Both Dr. Ramandeep Badhan and Dr. Frank S. Fratto have extensive experience with dental implant treatments. They know how to best set their patients up for success before placement surgery even begins, and will be happy to help you monitor your new teeth and address signs of failure quickly. To get in touch with Dr. Badhan and Dr. Fratto, you can call their office at 805-927-4811 or request an appointment online.