Your dental implants are a durable, realistic looking way to replace lost teeth. They’re also a significant investment in your oral health. So, it makes sense that you want to ensure that they last as long as possible. The great news is that these restorations boast an impressive 98 percent success rate, even ten years after placement. But they can’t do all the heavy lifting alone- they need your help, too. Here’s what you can do to help protect your newly restored smile and give your dental implants the best possible odds for survival!
Making Lasting Smiles
Although less than five percent of dental implants will fail, keeping them safe and healthy still takes a little effort on the part of the patient. The great news is that it’s very easy! Here are some recommended best practices for using and protecting your dental implants:
- Brush your teeth (both real and prosthetic) twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste.
- Floss daily.
- Never use your teeth (real or prosthetic) for anything but food; don’t bite your fingernails, tear apart packaging, or chew on objects like pen caps.
- If you grind your teeth (bruxism) or play sports, talk to your dentist about having a custom mouthguard made.
- Don’t smoke, vape, or use tobacco products.
- Visit your dentist twice a year for your regular preventive check-up and cleaning appointments, even if you have no remaining natural teeth.
Furthermore, it is very important after your dental implant surgery that you follow the aftercare instructions from your dentist as closely as possible. These were designed to ensure that your jaw heals quickly, and your dental implant properly fuses with the bone.
Why Do Dental Implants Fail?
There are many reasons why a dental implant may fail. Most often, it is due to one of two reasons: peri-implantitis, or failed osseointegration. Peri-implantitis is a condition of the gums that is very similar to periodontal disease and typically occurs due to poor oral hygiene. Failed osseointegration happens when the dental implant doesn’t fuse properly with the jawbone during the healing process.
Other causes may include injury to the implant site, infection, or radiation from treatment for certain medical conditions.
Warning Signs of Dental Implant Failure
While dental implant failure is unlikely, it is still very important to know the warning signs in advance. These often include:
- Loose implants.
- Sensitivity, pain, or discomfort at the implant site.
- Pain or difficulty chewing.
- Redness or swelling at the implant site.
- Receding gums around the implant.
If you notice any of these red flags, reach out to your dentist as soon as possible. The sooner you get help, the better the chance of saving your dental implant.
Remember, although your dental implants have a very high success rate, they can still fail if you don’t care for them properly. Thus, be sure to follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions and do your best to maintain them properly at home, and you’ll have the best odds for a smile that lasts a lifetime!
About Our Practice
At Family Dental Center of East Texas, Dr. Youngblood and Dr. Martinez are committed to helping give you your most beautiful smile. If you’re missing teeth and have been considering dental implants, schedule a consultation and let our team show you all the amazing benefits of this dynamic treatment. You can request an appointment online on our website, or call us today at 963-427-9070.