In general, dental implants are an extremely reliable way to replace missing teeth. In fact, according to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, dental implants have an incredibly high success rate of up to 95%! However, in rare circumstances, dental implants can fail. Are you concerned about the state of your implants? Keep reading to learn about the warnings signs of dental implant failure in Los Angeles – and what you can do to keep your implants in great shape.
Signs of a Failed Dental Implant
Dental implant failure can often happen either shortly after the placement procedure or years down the road. Short-term implant failure usually occurs when the implant does not fully fuse with the surrounding jawbone. This process, known as osseointegration, is what gives dental implants their supreme strength and stability.
The most common long-term implant failure, meanwhile, is peri-implantitis, a chronic infection in the gum and bone that supports a dental implant. Signs of both early and late-stage implant failure include:
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Shifting implant or replaced tooth
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Difficulty chewing
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Gum inflammation
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Gum recession
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Swelling around the implant
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Severe pain or discomfort
What Causes Dental Implant Failure
There are many different factors that can cause dental implants to fail, including:
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Gum disease – An untreated gum infection could spread around the implant and lead to failure.
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Smoking – Research shows that smokers experience a dental implant failure rate of up to 20%.
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Weak jawbone – Dental implants require a strong, healthy jawbone to remain in place.
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Medical conditions – Autoimmune diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes all cause the body to heal slower, which can prevent successful osseointegration.
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Poor oral hygiene – Daily brushing and flossing are critical to keeping the area around an implant free from infection.
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An inexperienced surgeon – Be sure to choose an experienced implant dentist in downtown Los Angeles.
How to Prevent Dental Implant Failure
While dental implant failure in Los Angeles cannot always be prevented, here are some simple steps you can take to keep your implants in great shape for many years to come:
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Brush your teeth and implants twice a day for a full two minutes each time
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Floss daily and rinse with mouthwash
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If you smoke tobacco…quit it!
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If you think you may grind your teeth at night, ask your dentist about wearing a protective mouthguard
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Include plenty of calcium-rich foods in your diet to support strong bones, such as milk, yogurt, cheese, broccoli, and oranges
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Visit a dentist every six months for a routine checkup
Remember, dental implants are not only a popular tooth replacement solution, but a very reliable one as well. By following the tips above, you can likely prevent implant failure and maintain an attractive, full smile for decades!
About the Author
An experienced prosthodontist, Dr. Adam Geach restores patients’ smiles with quality dental implants in downtown Los Angeles. He can perform the entire implant treatment under one roof and even crafts custom restorations in his in-house dental laboratory. To learn more about how to prevent implant failure, visit the Geach Dental website or call 213-810-3368.
