Dental implants are considered the gold standard of tooth replacement, loved by both dentists and patients alike. They go beyond just filling the gap – they replace the missing tooth’s root, preventing bone loss, and offering unmatched stability. With an impressive success rate of 95%, they’re an ideal choice. But, like anything else, there’s still a small chance of a hiccup occurring. Read on to learn the signs of trouble and how to keep your implants in tip-top shape.
Signs of Dental Implant Failure
Does something feel off with your dental implant? Keep an eye out for these signs:
- Difficulty chewing
- Swollen or angry gums
- Gums pulling back (recession)
- Implant feeling a bit loose
- Severe pain or discomfort
How to Prevent Dental Implant Failure
Don’t worry, there’s good news! Most issues with dental implants can be avoided with proper care. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Address Gum Issues: Ensuring your gums are healthy before getting dental implants is crucial. Gum disease has the potential to harm both your gums and jawbone, possibly leading to implant failure. If you have gum disease, you’ll have to undergo gum disease treatment before proceeding with implant placement.
- Kick the Smoking Habit: Tobacco products restrict blood flow to the gums, slowing down the healing process. Smokers face up to a 20% higher risk of dental implant failure. While smoking doesn’t disqualify you from getting implants, quitting for about a week before and several months after the surgery significantly improves your chances of success.
- Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Stay on top of your oral hygiene routine. Regular brushing, flossing, rinsing, and closely following your dentist’s aftercare instructions will contribute significantly to the success of your dental implants.
- Communicate About Medication and Health Conditions: Certain medications and health conditions can impact your healing process, affecting the natural fusion of implants. Openly discussing your medications and health issues with your dentist allows them to consider these factors in the overall restoration of your smile.
About the Author
Dr. Shane Smith is a passionate dental professional who finds great joy in his work alongside his exceptional team. His favorite part of the job is assisting patients and building connections with them as their treatments progress. Dr. Smith’s journey includes earning a dental doctorate from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, and since then, he has remained dedicated to staying on top of the latest dental advancements through ongoing education. For more information on dental implant failure in Jonesboro, visit his website or call (870) 686-4025.