Why Dental Implants Sometimes Fail & How to Prevent It

Why Dental Implants Sometimes Fail & How to Prevent It

If you have missing teeth, your dentist may recommend dental implants to restore your smile. Although dental implants are extremely reliable, they do occasionally fail. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce the chances that you will experience any issues with your implants. Here is what you need to know about the most common causes of dental implant failures and how you can prevent them.
Infections
Infections are frequently the culprit when dental implants fail. An oral infection can make the gums swell and cause the jawbone that is supporting an implant to become weakened. When this happens, the implant may fail. The best strategy for preventing infections is to avoid smoking, which can impede blood flow to your gums, allowing infections to fester. Good oral hygiene can also help reduce the risk of infections, as can managing medical conditions that impact your oral health, such as diabetes.
Allergic Reactions
Although allergic reactions to dental implants are not common, they do occur. When patients are allergic to the titanium that make up the posts of dental implants, failure will often occur. Your dentist may recommend a titanium allergy test before you get your implants if he or she thinks you could be at risk of having a reaction.
Osseointegration Problems
Osseointegration is the process through which the post of the implant fuses with the bone in your jaw. When osseointegration is successful, the post will act like a tooth root, and the implant will stay firmly in place. If osseointegration fails, your implant may fail as well. Avoiding activities that can cause jaw injuries, not smoking, and following your dentist’s instructions while osseointegration takes place will reduce the risk of failure.
 
John Carson, DDS can help you reclaim your smile with reliable dental implants, as well as full support before and after treatment to keep your implants in top condition. Schedule a consultation with our Tucson dentist today by dialing (520) 514-7203.