How to Avoid Dental Implant Failure
by Lonnie Bryant
Dental implants are designed to be permanent replacements for missing teeth, but occasionally, they can fail to integrate correctly with the mouth. Although more than 96 percent of dental implant procedures are successful, some patients have to have the implants taken out. Thankfully, you have control over the likelihood of your dental implants failing. Follow these tips to increase your chance of becoming a smile restoration success story.
1. Follow a Strict Dental Hygiene Routine
Nine out of 10 dental implant failures are due to poor oral hygiene. If you don't keep your mouth clean after the implant fitting procedure, you could develop an infection that prevents the implant site from healing correctly around the new false tooth. Brush your teeth twice a day, using fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush, as well as floss as thoroughly as you can while the implant site heals. Your dentist may recommend that you also use a mouth rinse to keep your mouth extra clean during this critical healing period.
2. Cut Out Cigarettes
If you're a non-smoker, the chance of your dental implants successfully restoring your smile is more than 98 percent. For smokers, this chance drops to just 85 percent. The problem with cigarette smoke is that it is full of chemicals that impair the body's natural ability to heal, which means that the titanium posts that support your dental implants are less likely to integrate correctly with your gums and jaw bone if you smoke.
Kicking the habit of tobacco use permanently is the best option for your dental and overall health. Even if you're not ready to give up cigarettes for good, it's essential to stay away from cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco and pipe smoking for at least two weeks after your dental implants are fitted. Talk to your doctor about options that can help you stay away from tobacco, such as nicotine patches or smoking cessation support groups.
3. Control Your Diabetes
If you have diabetes, your risk of dental implant failure may be higher than for a person who doesn't have diabetes. This is because diabetes reduces the jawbone's ability to bond with the implant, as well as increases the risk of an infection developing in the gum tissue. Work with your doctor to ensure that your diabetes is under control before you get dental implants. While waiting for your implants to heal, it's important to eat healthily and take your diabetes medicines to maximise your chance of success.
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About Me
There are more than two ways to straighten a smile, and in this blog, I plan to discuss them all. I plan to look at the differences between braces and retainers and explain why sometimes you may need them both. I look at the differences in cost, time commitment and efficacy. Personally, I have had a bit of experience with this subject – I had braces as a young teen, and I had a permanent retainer. In this blog, I discuss what I have learned, and I present all kinds of new information on the topic. Whether you are trying to make decisions for yourself or your child. I hope you find this information useful.