Dental implants are one of the most popular advancements in dentistry available to individuals with dental problems. The dental implant solution is long-lasting and durable and improves your confidence. But you must care for your implants, lest they fail and cause further dental problems.
Signs of Dental Implant Failure
Various signs indicate dental implant failure. Common signs include:
- Difficulty chewing
- Inflammation in the gums
- Gum recession
- Swelling
- Severe discomfort and pain
- Loosening of the implant or replaced tooth
Causes of Dental Implant Failure
Below are some of the common causes of dental implant failure:
Implant Misalignment
Positioning the implant correctly is a critical step in implant dentistry. It should be surrounded by the bone completely. In some cases, the correct position of the bone may not be the right position for the implant. As a result, the bone and implant can get misaligned. The crowns can look unnatural, the dark grey metal of the implant can be visible around the gum, and the gums can recede if the implant doesn’t align well with the bone. It can be difficult to rectify misaligned implants. The removal process can damage the bone and the neighboring teeth.
Badly Taken Impressions
The dentist takes impressions and sends them to the laboratory to make the crowns. If the impressions are inaccurate, the replacement teeth will not fit properly. Even a minor misfit can lead to a gap between the gums and crown, compromising the tooth’s functioning and look. This gap will also allow bacteria into the gums, eventually causing an infection. While you can treat the infection, you will have to replace the implant. The cement that binds the new dental crown to the implant post can also leak onto the gums and cause an infection.
Infections like Peri-Implantitis
Peri-Implantitis is a type of infection and is a primary cause of dental implant failure. It causes the formation of bacteria in the mouth leading to an inflammatory response that occurs after the dental implant procedure is completed. This infection damages the bone and gums surrounding the implant and can lead to potential bone loss and implant failure.
Failed Osseointegration
Osseointegration is the development of the structural link between the bone and the newly added titanium implant. This process typically takes a few weeks to months. In some cases, the implant may not fully merge with the jawbone. As a result, it can become loose or even come out. The main cause for failed osseointegration is insufficient bone for the implant.
Tips to Prevent Dental Implant Failure
Below are tips to prevent dental implant failure.
Check if you are the Right Candidate for Dental Implants
Before getting a dental implant, ensure you are an ideal candidate for one. Just because you want the implant doesn’t mean it is good for you. You should have relatively good health, healthy gums, and enough bone tissue for the implant to fit. Determine if your gum and bone health supports the dental implant. If you don’t have enough bone or gums, chances are your implant will fail. Your age can also impact the success of your implant. If you are too young, your jaw and facial bones could still be developing, making you unfit for the implant.
Stop Smoking
You should avoid smoking before and after the dental implant procedure. Smoking is directly related to higher implant loss. Any gum disease that is caused by smoking will also affect your implant. Smoking will also restrict blood flow to your gums, slowing the healing process after the procedure.
Take Precautions to Prevent Peri-Implantitis
Peri-Implantitis leads to inflammation in the gums and bone tissue around the implant. It can lead to complications like bone loss and implant failure. While most studies indicate that peri-implantitis could be caused due to the dentists’ error, you should also do your research and take steps to prevent the infection. Ensure you choose an experienced dentist like Natural Teeth Implant Center for the procedure. They have several years of experience working with dental implants and will guide you on how to look after your implant after the procedure is completed.
Practice Regular Dental Hygiene
One of the simplest ways to keep your dental implants healthy is to practice good dental hygiene. Brush your teeth regularly and floss at least twice a day. You can also use an alcohol-free antibacterial mouthwash.
Eat Healthily
Your diet will directly affect your dental implant. Though dental implants should mimic your natural teeth’s functions, avoid eating hard foods, especially during the initial weeks or months when the implant still has to merge with the bone. Avoid tough baked goods, hard candies, and sugary foods that will lead to bacterial growth around the implant.
While dental implants can help you improve your dental health and other functions like chewing, you must care for them, especially during the early days after the procedure. Ignoring them or not taking proper precautions will cause dental implant failure and can lead to additional medical expenses.