Dental implants can dramatically improve the quality of life for those who suffer from missing or damaged teeth. Wanting a beautiful, healthy smile is natural and should be attainable for all of us with proper care and attention to our teeth.
While the benefits of dental implants are many, there can be rare instances where the dental implant procedure fails and new implants don’t take the way that we hoped they would. In these cases, your dentist will evaluate the issue and help come to a conclusion as to how to fix it. If you are considering dental implants (or already have your appointment booked), here are some ways to prevent your implants from failing.
Infection Through Poor Dental Hygiene
Not practicing proper dental hygiene can lead to infections and complications with your dental implant procedure. Peri-implantitis is a type of gum disease that is most commonly the culprit of failed dental implants. This is because the disease affects the surrounding gums around the implant and weakens the connections with supporting bone.
Symptoms include pain, swollen, or badly bleeding gums. In order to keep your teeth and gums strong and healthy, you should practice proper dental hygiene, which includes regular brushing, flossing, and appointments with your dentist. Taking care of your oral hygiene prevents gum disease, periodontal disease, and the risk of complications with dental implants.
Teeth Grinding and Stressors
While teeth grinding may not be as common amongst adults and older people, it is still considered an underlying cause of implant failure. Implants and natural teeth can be worn down and damaged due to stress caused by teeth grinding. Sometimes, a person may not even be aware that they are grinding their teeth, as they could be doing it during times of stress or even overnight.
If teeth grinding is an issue for you, then let your dentist know ahead of time and before receiving your implants. This is so that they can provide you with a mouth guard during times of teeth grinding and when you may be most susceptible to it.
Dental Trauma or Bone Loss
If you’ve suffered any kind of oral trauma or have low bone density in your jawbone, then dental implants may not be able to properly connect and attach to your existing gums and bone. Before undergoing your procedure, your dentist or surgeon will thoroughly evaluate your mouth and oral history, and make you fully aware of any potential risk factors or issues that could be detrimental to the health and healing of your future dental implants.
If you are unsure of whether or not something could hinder your healing process, then it’s a good idea to discuss this with your dentist before having the procedure.
Dental Implant Maintenance
Of course, the quality of your dental implant maintenance and aftercare can say a lot about the outcome of the procedure. Remember to follow the instructions of your dentist regarding aftercare, and be sure to disclose any relevant medical or family history before the procedure. If you are a smoker, you will have to refrain from this habit for a while so as not to obstruct the oral healing process. As best as you can, avoid sugary foods and foods that can stick to your teeth.
Also, remember to brush and floss your teeth daily. Go for regular check ups with your dentist after receiving your dental implants, and use a mouthwash after meals to keep harmful bacteria away from your mouth and healing implants. Your doctor or surgeon may even give you medications or oral mouthwashes to keep the area clean and from getting infected.
Dental Implant Warning Signs
If you notice pain, severe discomfort, and bleeding around your gums and implants after the procedure, this is a warning sign that the implants may not be integrating properly. You may also notice that the implants seem loose in your mouth and uncomfortable. In this case, see your dentist immediately so they can evaluate and determine the best course of action.
Treatment may be as simple as treating the infection and thoroughly cleaning the area. Or, it could involve getting a bone graft if it seems that the bone itself is the issue. Whatever the case, keep your surgeon up to date on your recovery, and never be afraid to ask for help if something seems amiss.
While it’s great to be informed, keep in mind that dental implant failure is quite rare. At Bristol Dental, you will be in great hands with our team of dental professionals who can help you every step of the way. A great smile should never just be reserved for Hollywood stars or the rich and famous. It should be accessible and affordable to all, and you should never have to suffer with damaged or missing teeth. There are options out there for you!
For more information on periodontal treatments and dental implants in Mississauga and the GTA, please call Bristol Dental at 905-712-3409 or contact us here.
