How to Avoid Dental Implant Failure
When you’re missing a tooth or multiple teeth, getting dental implants can be extremely helpful. These artificial tooth roots help support crowns, bridges, and dentures with the stability of natural tooth roots. Dr. Stephen J. Malki has placed countless dental implants, helping the people of Bergen County, NJ smile with renewed confidence.
While dental implant failure is rare, it’s important that patients be made aware of its causes and how it can be prevented. Below are some of the basics about avoiding implant dentistry failure.
Common Causes of Implant Failure
Below are some of the most common causes of dental implant failure:
- Mistakes by Dentists or Oral Surgeons - When dentists or oral surgeons make mistakes with implant dentistry treatments, it can lead to complications and failed treatment.
- Gum Disease - Gum disease can affect the viability of dental implants as well as the health of the jawbone, resulting in implant failure.
- Bad Oral Hygiene and Dental Hygiene - Poor oral hygiene can increase the risk of implant failure over time, whether as a result of gum disease or other health issues.
- Peri-Implantitis - Peri-implantitis is a specific kind of gum disease that affects people with dental implants. This impacts the gum tissue around the dental implants, increasing the risk of implant failure.
Thankfully there are several things you can do to avoid these issues from happening.
Find a Skilled Dentist/Oral Surgeon in Your Area
One of the first things you can do to prevent implant failure is find a skilled dentist in your area to plan and perform your dental implant treatment. Dentists who are experienced with implant dentistry are less likely to make mistakes that lead to treatment failure.
Ask your family and friends for recommendations. If they don’t have any leads, a simple Google search like “dental implant dentists Bergen County” can yield plenty of good results.
Avoid Smoking
Smoking increases your risk of gum disease as well as plenty of other health problems. In order to prevent implant failure and other issues, it’s best to quit smoking before getting dental implants and continue to abstain from tobacco products for the foreseeable future. Consider getting dental implants a convenient excuse to kick the habit for good.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene is imperative for successful dental implant treatment. Be sure to brush at least twice a day and to floss at least once a day. Ideally, be sure to brush and floss after every meal. This will help keep harmful oral bacteria under control.
If needed, you can consider getting a proxy brush or the use of superfloss to improve your oral hygiene routine, particularly around the implant posts.
Visit Your Dentist for Follow-Up Care
After getting dental implants placed, you’ll have several follow-up visits with your dentist to ensure treatment is proceeding properly. Attend all of these visits as scheduled. You can also contact the practice if any concerns arise that require urgent attention.
Attend Regular Dental Visits
Even in the months and years after your dental implants have been placed, you’ll still want to visit the dentist for regular checkups every six months. These regular dental checkups will help prevent gum disease and can monitor your overall dental health, preventing serious issues from developing.
Learn More About Dental Implants
If you would like to learn more about dental implants and how they can benefit you, be sure to contact a skilled cosmetic and restorative dentist. The Malki Dental team can be reached in Bergen County by phone at (201) 646-0800.