Dental implants are a highly viable option for patients missing one or more permanent teeth. Implants have a high success rate due to the amount of preparation that goes into implant treatment, high-quality materials, and the experience of oral surgeons. However, in some cases, implants can fail. Here we will review the common causes of implant failure and how to prevent implant failure after you receive your permanent dental implants in our Arlington Heights, IL, dental office.
How Dental Implants Can Fail
Our office uses expert techniques and high-quality materials to create custom dental implants for patients in our Arlington Heights, IL, dental office. However, implants can still fail.
Common reasons for implant failure can include:
- Peri-implantitis: This infection is caused by gum inflammation and infection. Poor oral hygiene can attract harmful bacteria that build on the gum tissue. Over time, inflamed or irritated gum tissue surrounds a dental implant. Implants are less resistant to plaque and tartar, which is why routine dental care is so important.
- Allergic reaction: Some patients may have an allergy to titanium. Signs of allergies to titanium include swelling in the soft tissue around the implant, itchy gums, hives, and chills. Be aware of the physical symptoms you experience after you receive your implants.
- Failed Osseointegration: Smoking, developing a dental infection, or during the implant healing process. Osseointegration is the process during which the implants integrate with the jaw bone. If the implants cannot fuse with the jaw bone, they can fall out of the mouth.
Prevent Implants From Failing
We ensure our patients are in good oral health before, during, and after the dental implant process in our Arlington Heights office. There are also several things you can do to prevent implants from failing. After you receive your implants, make sure that you brush and floss properly. Gum disease or tooth decay can loosen your implants. We can help give you tips on how to clean your restoration and recommend the right floss or brushes you can use to clean your crown, bridge, or denture.
We also ask that you refrain from smoking cigarettes, vaping, or using tobacco products throughout the implant process. The nicotine in these tobacco products restricts the blood vessels, slowing the implant healing process. Patients who use tobacco products during osseointegration can lose their implants. Know the signs of implant failure; if your implants feel loose, you feel pain around your implant, or you see swelling surrounding your restoration, you may have a failed implant.
Do you have questions about dental implants or implant failure? Call AH Smiles for implant treatment today (847) 230-9703. Feel free to schedule a dental consultation with us online. We’re here to answer any questions you have about your candidacy for implant treatment.