If you have dental implants, you may already be impressed to know that these permanent prosthetics have a 90 to 95 percent success rate. That means the odds are in your favor! But unfortunately, there are still up to ten percent of people who may experience implant failure. So, how do you prevent this from happening to you? While there’s no guarantee that you can completely stop failure from occurring, there are still many things you can do to lower your risk. Here’s what you can do to keep yours safe and healthy, so they last a lifetime.
Signs of Implant Failure
Implant failure is when the titanium post your dentist inserts into your jaw fails to fuse with the bone. This process is called osseointegration. When the implant does not properly integrate, it fails, resulting in either a repeat surgery to reattach it, or you may first require a bone graft before attempting to insert it again.
Signs that your implant is failing include:
- Loose or wobbly implant
- Difficulty chewing
- Gum inflammation
- Receding gums
- Increased swelling
- Severe pain or discomfort
If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your dentist immediately. The sooner you get help, the better your prognosis will likely be.
How to Prevent Implant Failure
While it’s impossible to prevent all implant failures, there is still a lot you can do to increase their odds of success. These include:
- Be sure to take proper care of your dental implants by brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day.
- Attend your regular dental exam and cleaning appointments every six months.
- Quit smoking (if applicable).
- Increase your calcium intake by taking supplements or eating calckum-rich foods such as dairy, broccoli, and oranges.
- Speak to your dentist about a mouth guard if you grind your teeth.
- Don’t immediately replace your implant if it has failed. Instead, allow the bone to heal properly first.
- Avoid bad habits like crunching on ice or hard candy, biting fingernails, or using your teeth to chew non-edible objects or open packaging.
Remember, while it’s not always possible to prevent dental implants from failing, there is still a lot you can do to lower your risk of this occurring. With a 90 to 95 percent success rate, the odds are already in your favor!
About Dr. Shah
Dr. Vrajesh Shah knew he wanted to go beyond offering standard dental care to his patients, which inspired him to return to school to study prosthodontics. Today, his skills and expertise in the field have allowed him to restore the smiles of numerous patients. Dr. Shah understands the conditions that make your dental implants likely to withstand the test of time, and he and the team at Edison Prosthodontics are proud to help make yours successful, too.
If you are suffering from implant failure and need urgent help, please call us today at 732-943-1709 or visit our website.