Prevent the Top Causes of Dental Implant Failure
Getting dental implants can change your life. These artificial tooth roots are able to support dentures, bridges, and individual crowns, restoring your ability to bite, chew, and smile with confidence. We’ve helped many patients in the Birmingham, AL get the most out of their dental implants, which includes avoiding problems after their implants are in place.
Dr. Burton Gooch would like to discuss the most common causes of dental implant failure. We’ll then go over different ways you can avoid these issues that impact implant dentistry.
The Most Common Causes of Dental Implant Failure
The most common causes of dental implant failure typically include the following:
- Errors by Dentists/Oral Surgeons - Mistakes by dental care professionals can result in a higher risk of dental implant failure, which is why working with skilled dental health professionals is so important.
- Issues with Bone Loss and Gum Recession - Tooth loss tends to result in bone loss and gum recession over time. Usually bone grafting and soft tissue augmentation procedures can prevent this from becoming a serious issue.
- Complications During the Healing Process - If a patient heals slowly or does not follow proper aftercare instructions, this could lead to dental implant failure.
- Gum Disease and Peri-Implantitis - Gum disease and peri-implantitis (infection of the gum tissue around the dental implant) can lead to dental implant failure and more serious dental health problems.
Thankfully there are many ways to avoid these issues.
Finding a Good Dentist/Oral Surgeon
One of the best ways to avoid potential complications is working with a skilled dental health professional. Ask family, friends, and colleagues with dental implants if they can recommend the person they went to.
If your network doesn’t have recommendations, you can do research online. Simply searching “Birmingham dental implants dentist” on Google can lead to a number of promising results that you can look into more.
Quit Using Tobacco Products
In order to ensure proper healing and dental implant success, the team at Gooch Family Dental tells patients to quit smoking prior to getting dental implants. This ensures patients are in good health to recover quickly after surgery and that they can avoid gum disease and other serious medical issues in the long run. Quitting is difficult, but we can point you toward resources that will help you get over the habit.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene is essential for successful implant dentistry treatment. Patients should brush and floss regularly. This also means cleaning carefully around the implant post. Using a good mouthwash can help keep oral bacteria, plaque, and other issues under control.
Attend All Dental Implant Follow-Up Visits
You’ll have multiple follow-up visits with your dentist and oral surgeon to monitor the recovery process once your dental implants are in place. Attend all of these as scheduled, and alert your dentist to any complications you’re experiencing.
See Your Dentist for Regular Checkups and Cleanings
In addition to dental implant follow-up visits, it’s crucial that you attend all of your regular dental checkups. Cleanings, x-rays, and other preventive care services can help you avoid health problems that may put your dental implants at risk.
Learn More About Dental Implants
For more information about dental implants and how they can help you have a restored smile, be sure to contact a skilled cosmetic and restorative dentist. You can reach Gooch Family Dental by phone at (205) 545-8001.