In recent years, dental implants have become an increasingly popular way to replace missing teeth. The result looks natural, feels comfortable, and can be more durable than other tooth-replacements.

However, as the popularity of dental implants soars, so does the concern from some that these implants will fail. This does happen for several reasons, and it is important to be aware of the risks associated with dental implants before you decide to undergo the surgery to have them placed. Let’s discuss why dental implants can fail both in the short term and long term as well as what you can do to prevent this failure from happening to you.

How Dental Implants Work

To get a better understanding of why dental implants sometimes fail, you should first know how they work. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots most often made of titanium. They are surgically installed into the bone in your gums. This may sound scary, and it can be, but the result is typically beneficial to those who need a more permanent tooth replacement solution.

Reasons Behind Dental Implant Failure

Dental implants may fail for several reasons. Short-term failure usually occurs due to a failure of the bone to heal. This is called “osseointegration.” However, this process is within your control to change. Systemic factors that lead to this failure to heal include:

• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Smoking
• Poor dental hygiene
• Gum disease

Of course, there are a couple that you can’t control, such as low bone density and other non-lifestyle related medical conditions.

Long-term failure can also be attributed to several factors, but the most concerning is peri-implantitis. This happens after the bone has healed, but it is a chronic infection, meaning that you’ll be dealing with it for life.

Peri-implantitis can be attributed in many cases to periodontal diseases that affect your teeth. The symptoms of this disease include discomfort and bleeding or pus coming from the gums. While it can be treated, the success in treatment is far lower than that of overall dental implants.

Treatments for peri-implantitis include frequent cleanings, improved dental care at home, antibiotics, and laser therapies. In more severe cases, another surgery may be necessary. Cases of peri-implantitis are not too common, but they are a risk of having these implants installed.

Other long-term failures are more easily treated and can allow you to live normally again. Broken screws and fractured implants make up a portion of these long-term dental implant failures, but they can be corrected with another quick surgery or procedure.

Preventing Dental Implant Failure

You can’t completely eliminate your chances of experiencing dental implant failure, but you can lower your chances significantly. The first thing that you need to do is cut out unhealthy habits.

If you have diabetes, seek medical treatment to get your condition under control. If you are concerned about getting diabetes, make a healthier diet plan and regularly exercise to lower your risk.

If you smoke, begin the process of quitting. The more you smoke, the more that you damage your gums and teeth. You are putting yourself at a higher risk of gum disease, which is a leading cause of dental implant failure.

If your dental hygiene habits could be better, make the necessary changes to your routine to improve your oral health. Brush your teeth twice per day and floss to prevent gum disease. See your trusted dentist regularly for cleanings and for any dental concerns you may have. They will be able to establish a routine that works for you.

Where to Get Dental Implants

Dental implants can be a wonderful way to improve your confidence and get tooth replacements that are comfortable and long-lasting. The overall success rate of these implants is as high as 98%. Know your risks, but don’t let them keep you from getting your smile back!

If you have decided to take the next step in getting dental implants installed, the Dental Group of Simi Valley located in Simi Valley, CA can help.  We are a husband and wife team who understand the importance of treating patients and staff like family. When you make an appointment with our professionals, you can rest assured that you and your mouth are in capable hands. To make an appointment, please call (805) 522-6020.