Many experts consider dental implants the ideal way to replace missing teeth because of their unique benefits. They’re the only restorations that are surgically embedded into your jawbone for added strength and stability. Furthermore, they have an incredibly high success rate of more than ninety percent!
However, if you don’t care for dental implants correctly, there’s still a chance they might fail. Continue reading to learn about 3 things that can impact how effective and long-lasting your new teeth will be!
Factor #1: Your Oral Hygiene
Your prosthetic includes a titanium or ceramic rod embedded in your jawbone that’s capped with a porcelain crown or other restoration. This material doesn’t develop decay like your natural teeth, but you still must keep your mouth clean. The leading cause of implant failure is a pervasive form of gum disease called peri-implantitis, which erodes the connective and bone tissue anchoring it in place.
To prevent it, you should brush and floss twice daily, taking care not to floss too deeply into the pocket of your implant, which could damage its seal. Cleaning your mouth consistently removes bacteria and plaque that might otherwise put your new tooth at risk.
Factor #2: Your Jawbone Density
One of the main reasons that these replacement teeth tend to last longer than alternatives like dentures and dental bridges is because of the support pole that’s surgically placed in your jaw. It takes three to six months to recover because your mouth must generate enough new bone growth to fuse with the metal in a process called osseointegration. If your jawbone is too thin initially, you’re less likely to complete this stage of recovery successfully.
That’s why you must consult with your dentist before getting implants. They’ll examine your mouth and measure your jawbone density to determine whether it’s strong enough to support your prosthetics. If it’s too frail, don’t lose hope! In many cases, an additional bone graft procedure can bulk it up enough to continue.
Factor #3: Your Overall Health
Your general well-being also plays an essential role in dental implant success, which is why your dentist will also update your medical history during your initial appointment. They’ll list any recent procedures, diagnoses, and medications or supplements that you’re taking to avoid doing anything that might interfere.
For instance, if you have diabetes, you’ll need to have your condition safely under control to be approved for this procedure. Similarly, if you’ve recently had a stroke or heart problem, your surgery might be postponed until your body is strong enough to undergo the treatment and heal effectively afterward.
If you’re unsure whether you’re a good candidate for dental implants, scheduling a consultation with your provider is the best way to get an accurate answer based on your current condition!
Meet the Author
Dr. Bradley Mitchell is passionate about helping people of all ages enhance their lives by improving their oral health. He graduated from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry and has since completed hundreds of hours of continuing education at renowned institutions like Spear Education and the Kois Center. He partners with the best local surgeons to improve the chances of implant success, then utilizes state-of-the-art technology to provide lifelike restorations intended to last. If you want to replace missing teeth, you can request an appointment on the website or by calling (405) 755-2670.
