One of the best things about living in today’s world is that you don’t have to live with missing teeth. No matter how many teeth you’ve lost, there’s a tooth replacement option for you – the most popular of which is dental implants. Because they bring back the root of a tooth as well as its crown, dental implants last longer, feel more natural, and make eating easier than dentures or bridges. While the rate of dental implant failure in West Bloomfield is incredibly low, it can still happen. Keep reading to learn how you can prevent dental implant failure.
What Causes Dental Implants to Fail?
Dental implants have an impressively high success rate; some experts place it at 95% or higher. However, they can still fail for a few reasons:
- Peri-implantitis – The most common cause of dental implant failure is an infection around the gum tissue that supports the implant. More often than not, peri-implantitis develops due to poor oral hygiene after the implant has been placed.
- Bone loss – When a tooth is lost, its roots no longer stimulate the jawbone, leading to bone deterioration. If an implant is placed in an area with not enough density, it may be unable to merge with the jawbone. That’s why bone grafting is sometimes necessary before implant surgery.
- Physical trauma – An injury to the mouth or face could dislodge your implant.
Tips for Preventing Dental Implant Failure
Sometimes, dental implant failure cannot be avoided, but there are precautions you can take to minimize your risk:
- Maintain good oral hygiene – Dental implants can’t develop cavities, but poor oral hygiene can lead to peri-implantitis. Remember to brush, floss, and rinse with mouthwash daily.
- See your dentist regularly – Visit your dentist in West Bloomfield twice a year for routine checkups and cleanings. If there are any problems with your implants, they’ll be treated sooner rather than later.
- Avoid tobacco – Smoking interferes with the process of your implant fusing to your jaw. It’s crucial that you abstain from smoking for several months after your surgery.
- Quit bad habits – Chewing on ice, pens, or other hard objects can damage your implants.
- Increase your calcium intake – Calcium is essential in keeping your bones strong and giving your implants a healthy foundation. You can find calcium in all sorts of items, like yogurt, milk, cheese, oranges, and broccoli.
Even though dental implant failure is extremely uncommon, there’s always a tiny chance that it could happen. That’s why it’s better to be safe than sorry. By following these tips, you can reap the benefits of your new smile for many years to come!
About the Practice
With our five incredibly talented dentists, our team at LakeView Family Dental is able to provide comprehensive dental care to patients of all ages in West Bloomfield Township, MI and the nearby communities. This includes start-to-finish dental implant treatment using the latest techniques and technologies. If you’d like to find out more about making your dental implants last, you can reach us through our website.