Although dental implants are well-known for their incredibly high success rate of more than 95 percent even ten years after placement, they’re not indestructible. In fact, there is still a chance that they could fail, even decades after your initial surgery. In an effort to combat this, here are some easy and effective ways to help reduce your risk of dental implant failure so you can continue to enjoy your new smile for a lifetime!
How To Get the Most from Your Dental Implants
Your dental implants do more than just complete your beautiful smile. They also provide a variety of oral and overall health benefits, including jawbone stimulation that could help prevent deterioration and further tooth loss. To help keep your dental implants in excellent condition, follow these helpful guidelines:
- Brush your teeth (both real and prosthetic) twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste.
- Floss daily.
- Never use your teeth as tools.
- Wear a mouthguard if you grind your teeth or play sports.
- Never use tobacco products of any kind.
- Visit your dentist every six months for your regular check-ups and cleanings, even if you have no remaining natural teeth.
- Follow your dentist’s surgical aftercare instructions as closely as possible.
What Causes Dental Implants to Fail?
While there are many causes of dental implant failure, the great news is that most of them are preventable. The two main reasons are a condition called peri-implantitis which is usually caused by poor oral hygiene and is like gum disease, and failed osseointegration, which typically occurs soon after placement surgery.
Other common causes of dental implant failure are infection, injury to the implant site, and certain medical treatments such as radiation therapy.
Warning Signs Your Dental Implant is Failing
While dental implant failure is rare, it’s important to know the warning signs in advance:
- Loose dental implants.
- Receding gums around the dental implant.
- Sensitivity, pain, or discomfort around the implant.
- Pain or difficulty chewing with the implant.
- Redness or swelling around the implant site.
Should you experience any of these symptoms, be sure to contact your dentist as soon as possible, as the sooner you can be treated, the better the chance that your dental implant can be saved.
Remember, although dental implants have an extremely high success rate, they’re not indestructible, and thus you should still do your best to protect them from failing. With these tips, and help from your dental team, you’ll give your new smile its best chance to last a lifetime!
About Dr. Pitarra
Dr. Sarah Pitarra earned her undergraduate degree at Texas A&M University-Kingsville and her dental doctorate at Baylor College of Dentistry and has since trained at the prestigious Colorado Implant Continuum. She is also a proud student of The Kois Center, where she expanded her education in the areas of aesthetic, implant, and restorative dentistry. To schedule an appointment for dental implants, visit our website or call 361-855-7171.