Dentists regard dental implants as the most effective way to replace lost teeth since they look, work, and feel just like the real thing and they can last for decades or even a lifetime if they receive excellent care. These remarkable devices also boast a remarkable success rate of 95% or more, but they can fail early under certain circumstances. Here’s a brief guide to the causes of dental implant failure and how you can notice and address trouble early so you can keep your restored smile in great shape.
Gum Infections Lead to Implant Rejections
If you have gum disease, it will have to be resolved before you can receive dental implants. Gum infections are among the leading causes of implant failure since they can compromise the soft tissues the devices depend on for support as well as the jawbones they must integrate with to achieve a stable hold. While gum disease can usually be reversed with improved oral hygiene if you catch it in its early stages, the advanced stage of periodontal disease must be managed with regular treatments from a dentist.
Gum disease typically shows itself through symptoms like:
- Bleeding
- Redness
- Tenderness
- Bad breath
- Gum recession
- Loose teeth or implants
You Must Be Joking if You Keep Smoking
Tobacco use in any form is completely horrible for your dental implants and natural teeth alike since it can lead to a host of nasty oral health problems such as dental stains, brown accumulations, bad breath, gum disease, and tooth loss and implant failure.
Your gums will harden to protect themselves from the noxious chemicals in tobacco smoke or juice, and having to do this frequently can leave them exhausted and withered. Nicotine, the addictive agent in tobacco, also inhibits your ability to heal and fight infections after receiving implants. Your dentist will recommend abstaining from tobacco use for at least several weeks before and several months after implant surgery, but it’s ideal to quit the habit completely.
Opening a Bottle or Package Causes Dental Damage
Using your teeth as tools is an amazingly effective way to break your pearly whites and severely damage your dental implants. Never use your smile to tear open a package or pry open a bottle and always take care when chewing on especially crunchy items like nuts, seeds, and hard candy. It’s also crucial to never chew on non-food items like ice, paperclips, and writing utensils.
Your dental implants may be on the road to failure if they are loose in the gums or if you notice signs of infection like pain, swelling, or changes in your bite alignment. Being on the lookout for trouble and consulting with your dentist can help you find the best ways to keep your natural and artificial teeth in great shape for life.
About the Author
Dr. Molly Makos Fraser earned her dental degree at the University of Pennsylvania where she graduated with honors and earned membership in the Matthew Cryer Honor Society. She is a proud member of the American Dental Association and the New Jersey State Dental Association, and her office in Columbus offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as implant services. To learn more about making your dental implants last, contact her office online or dial (609) 324-9500.