Avoid These Causes of Dental Implants Failure
When people lose their adult teeth, it can increase the risk of other oral health problems. To prevent issues such as shifting teeth, bone atrophy, and diminished oral functions, tooth loss should be treated as soon as possible. Because dental implants are the only treatment that replaces the crown and root of a tooth, they are considered to be the best treatment option for missing teeth.
Here, Dr. Jon Marc Van Slate offers our Houston, TX, patients tips to avoid the common causes of dental implant failure. Dental implants are surgically placed into the jaw where they can fuse with the patient’s bone tissues. This process, known as osseointegration, takes several months. It is important for patients to understand that while they recover, they need to do all they can to promote healing so that dental implants can fuse with the jawbone.
Infection
Infection is one of the leading causes of dental implant failure. After dental implant surgery, the incisions will need time to heal. While the surgical site heals, bacteria can get into the soft tissues, increasing the risk of infection.
It is especially important that our Houston patients keep the mouth clean after dental implant surgery, and take necessary precautions to minimize the risk of infection. There are several steps that patients can take to avoid infection after dental implant treatment:
- Follow all post-surgical care instructions
- Brush and floss the teeth regularly
- Use a salt water rinse or antimicrobial rinse to keep surgical sites clean
- Take prescribed antibiotics as directed
Oral Trauma
Oral trauma creates stress that can interfere with healing after dental implant treatment. Oral trauma includes any type of sudden oral injury, as well as poor dental habits that consistently put excess force on the teeth or gums.
It is important that patients are gentle with the teeth and gums as they recover from dental implant treatment so that oral tissues can heal and osseointegration can occur. Some ways that patients can avoid oral trauma after dental implant treatment include:
- Eliminating hard, crunchy foods from the diet during recovery
- Refraining from using the teeth as tools or biting on non-food objects
- Taking steps to treat bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching), if necessary
- Wearing a protective mouth guard when participating in contact sports
Smoking
Smoking has been linked to slower surgical recovery and an increased risk of dental implant failure. The nicotine in cigarettes delays healing by restricting blood vessels so that it is more difficult for the body to deliver essential oxygen and nutrients to the surgical site.
The best way to avoid dental implant failure linked to smoking is to cease the use of all tobacco products at least three to four weeks before dental implant surgery and at least two months after treatment.
Insufficient Bone Density
If a patient’s jawbone has deteriorated, it may not be able to fully support dental implants. All patients will be thoroughly examined prior to dental implant surgery to determine if this treatment is right for them. If there are any concerns about a patient’s bone density, they can receive a bone graft prior to dental implant treatment.
Contact Us
If you have experienced tooth loss, contact us at your earliest convenience to learn more about your tooth loss treatment options. You can also schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Jon Marc Van Slate in Houston to discuss your oral health needs by calling (713) 783-1993.
