What Causes Dental Implants to Fail?

Getting a dental implant is usually a predictable treatment, which has a success rate of over 90%. However, just like other medical procedures, there are some factors that can cause them to fail. Read on to learn more about dental implant failure, the common warning signs, and what you can do to prevent this problem from occurring in the first place.

But First, The Anatomy of a Dental Implant

Before you can know what causes a failure, it’s important to know what makes up a dental implant in the first place. The implant itself is a titanium post that is placed in the jawbone. Once fused to the bone, an abutment is attached to your implant, which is a small connector that allows for restorations. The last part is the restoration, which is usually a crown in the case of a single dental implant. These 3 pieces work together to give you a strong, beautiful, and lifelike set of teeth.

What Can Cause Dental Implants to Fail?

While dental implants have a high success rate, it’s still possible for them to fail. One of the most common reasons is gum disease, which is a problem that infects and inflames the gums. If left untreated, it can cause the jawbone to deteriorate, which loosens the bond your bone has with your dental implant. Another reason is smoking, which restricts blood flow to the gums and slows down the implant’s healing process. Additionally, poor oral hygiene can negatively impact the success rate of your dental implant because it increases risks of problems like infection.

Signs that Your Dental Implant is Failing

The sooner you can get treatment for your failing implant, the better your chances are that it can be saved. That’s why you should be aware of the common warning signs of implant failure, including:

• Inflammation in the tissue around the implant
• Difficulty chewing
• Gum recession
• Pain around the implant
• Loose implant

If you notice any of these symptoms of dental implant failure, contact your dentist in Marietta, GA for treatment.

How to Prevent Dental Implant Failure

Thankfully, it’s easy to prevent dental implant failure by following these helpful steps:

• Brush twice a day for two minutes each session to remove plaque from your teeth and gums.
• Floss once a day to clean away food debris caught in your smile.
• Use a nonalcoholic mouthwash for extra clean teeth and gums.
• Visit your dentist for routine checkups and cleanings.
• Avoid smoking, tobacco use, and heavy consumption of alcohol.

Now that you know more about implant failure, you can do all you can to keep your smile healthy, full, and successful with these tips!

Posted on behalf of Envision Dental