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Dental implants are considered the gold standard when it comes to replacing teeth, and their impressive 95% success rate might have something to do with why! These posts are absolute game changers when it comes to tooth replacement, since they can restore the entire structure of a missing tooth from its roots to its crown and endure for decades with the right care. But what happens if things don’t go as planned, and a dental implant fails? Luckily, implant salvage and replacement is a possibility – but it’s going to be better to simply prevent this from happening in the first place! Here’s what you need to keep in mind.
Common Reasons for Dental Implant Failure
There are two main reasons for dental implant failure: peri-implantitis and failed osseointegration. Peri-implantitis is a condition that occurs when the gum tissue surrounding the implants becomes infected, often due to inadequate oral hygiene. If it’s not detected right away, this can cause your implant to loosen. On the other hand, failed osseointegration refers to when your jawbone doesn’t grow properly around the implant to secure it.
It’s also possible for preexisting conditions like bruxism or diabetes to increase the risk of implant failure; likewise, patients with periodontitis can be much more susceptible to peri-implantitis. In any case, whether from a chronic disease, inconsistent oral hygiene, or some other factor, you might feel severe pain and notice gum inflammation if your dental implant is failing, in addition to your oral wellness being at risk.
Tips for Avoiding Dental Implant Failure
Your new dental implants are an investment, not just in your smile’s beauty, but also your future oral health. It’s in your best interest to take great care of them so they serve you well and avoid problems and/or potential failure. Here are some tips to help you out:
- Oral Hygiene Is Key – Maintaining proper oral hygiene is the best way to prevent dental implant failure, period. That said, dental implants themselves don’t require any specialized maintenance, meaning that if you brush, floss, and keep up with your routine preventive care, you’re giving them a great chance of long-term success.
- Avoid Smoking – If you’re a regular smoker, you were probably told that smoking during the process of getting your dental implants was off-limits. It would be wise to continue forgoing that habit once you’ve received your dental implants. Tobacco products are bad enough for your smile, but dental implants are especially vulnerable to gum disease, since it attacks the tissue holding them in place.
- Lead a Healthy Life – The connection between oral and overall health is often downplayed; simply put, having a healthy smile can directly benefit your body’s health, and vice versa! A healthy diet paired with the right amount of daily sleep and exercise can make a huge difference in your teeth’s health since everything in the body is so interconnected.
About the Practice
Under the leadership of Dr. Ivan Paskalev, the team at College Hill Dental has proudly served the dental needs of patients and families in Eugene for several years. They’re excited to offer a wide range of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatment options, including dental implant placement and other related services. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with the team to set up a visit, feel free to visit them online or give them a call today! Telephone: (541) 485-0272.