How to Recognize and Prevent a Dental Implant Failure

Are you missing teeth? So are 178 million other Americans. The good news is that you no longer need to settle for gaps in your smile. Dental implants are a popular tooth replacement option because of their numerous benefits. For example, they are long-lasting, natural-looking, and prevent bone loss from occurring in the future. While they have a very high success rate of over 95%, dental implant failures still occur. Continue reading to learn about the signs of a dental implant failure and what you can do to prevent them from happening.

What Are the Signs of a Dental Implant Failure?

Here are a few of the common signs of an early or late-stage dental implant failure:

• Difficulty chewing
• Gum inflammation
• Gum recession
• Increased swelling
• Loosening of an implant or replaced tooth
• Severe pain or discomfort

How Are Dental Implant Failures Prevented?

Here are a few ways that you can prevent an implant failure from happening to you:

• Gum disease therapy: You need to have healthy gums for dental implant surgery. Gum disease can damage the gum tissue and jawbone. When left untreated, it can spread around the implant and lead to a failure. If you want to get dental implants, you need to have your periodontal disease treated by your dentist beforehand.
• Don’t smoke: Using tobacco products restricts the blood flow to the gums, slowing the healing process. Smokers have a dental implant failure rate that is up to 20% higher. If you smoke, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t get dental implants. However, you will need to refrain from smoking for one week before and at least two months after your implant placement surgery for the best results.
• Excellent oral hygiene: Practicing excellent oral hygiene has a huge impact on the success rate of dental implants. Be sure that you continue to brush, floss, rinse, and follow the instructions of your dentist closely after your procedure.
• Discuss your medications and health conditions: Certain medical conditions and medications can affect your body’s ability to heal. This can keep the fusion process from taking place. Be sure that you are discussing all health conditions you have and medications that you take with your dentist so they can be considered.

Dental implants are very successful, but you still need to take measure to keep them healthy. By following the tips listed above, you will be showing off your restored smile in no time!

About the Author

Dr. Zack Hegazin earned his dental doctorate from the Loma Linda University in California where he graduated with honors. Currently, he is a proud member of the American Dental Association and American Academy of General Dentistry. He takes the time to complete hundreds f hours of continuing education each year. He particularly focuses on dental implants, sleep apnea, and cosmetic dentistry. For more information or to schedule an appointment at his office in McKinney, visit his website or call (214) 592-0441.