Why Do Dental Implants Fail?

You have more options than ever to treat tooth loss. As an alternative to traditional treatments, like a bridge or partial, many patients are turning to dental implants in Springfield. As the only dental prosthetic to replicate the entire tooth structure, they offer exceptional benefits and are highly predictable. Although they have over a 95% success rate, there are some rare circumstances where they might fail. Here’s what you need to know to ensure your new smile stays healthy for decades.

Why Do Dental Implants Fail?

Over 500,000 people per year choose dental implants to replace their missing teeth because they are a reliable option. Generally, the risk of failure is less than 5% and will occur for 1 of 2 reasons:

Lack of Supprt

Currently, dental implants are the most successful solution to treat all severities of tooth loss. Their success relies on the right foundation. Your dentist in Springfield will need a CT scan to assess your jaw’s density. This ensures your bone properly fuses to the posts through a process called osseointegration to support your dental implants long-term.

If a dental implant is placed in a bone that doesn’t have enough density, it will likely fail. As a result, your dentist may recommend bone grafting to ensure your jaw can support the post. In addition, adequate healing must occur before your post can be placed, or you will have a higher risk of failure.

Infection

Research shows time and time again, dental implants can last for several decades with the right aftercare. The biggest threat to their long-term success is a preventable infection called peri-implantitis. It’s like gum disease and develops from bacteria found in plaque and tartar accumulations. It also destroys the supporting structures of your teeth, including the jawbone.

Thankfully, you can prevent the infection by taking the time to care for your dental implants and any remaining natural teeth each day. It’s also best to visit your dentist at least twice a year for a cleaning and checkup. This allows your dentist to monitor your oral health to detect potential implant failure sooner. With quick intervention, your dentist may be able to save your smile to protect your investment.

Will My Dental Implants Fail?

You shouldn’t be concerned about failed dental implants in Springfield because it is very rare; however, it’s best to follow a few simple tips to reduce any potential risk factors, such as:

• Brush your dental implants and any natural teeth at least twice per day.
• Floss every night before going to bed.
• Wear an athletic mouthguard if you play sports.
• Treat bruxism or teeth grinding.
• Don’t smoke.
• Don’t drink alcohol in excess.
• Visit your dentist at least twice a year.

If you have any concerns after your placement surgery, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist. They’ll create the personalized plan you need to ensure your smile lasts.

About Advanced Dental Care of Springfield

Our team of dental professionals strives to help our patients enjoy lasting oral health. Besides focusing on prevention, we also offer a variety of services to meet all our patients’ needs. No matter if you need a cleaning and checkup or to replace missing teeth, we can help. Contact our office today for an appointment.