Who Said Dental Implants are Foolproof?

Some people bail at the first sign of failure. Others cry, “Foul,” and tell themselves it was destined to fail anyway.

Ultimately, it’s a matter of perspective. And one that builds an allowance for failure into the process.

Dental implants, it’s safe to say, are not foolproof. It’s important to understand this so you can anticipate the potential for failure and put contingencies in place.

It might seem strange that a fan of implant treatment would even admit to its shortcomings. Again, the success of your dental implant procedure will increase if you’re aware of how they can fail.

“Know thy enemy…”

We’ve talked about the importance of your implant integrating with your bone and gum tissue. This process is known as osseointegration.

Dental implants are certainly a solid tooth replacement option. And once yours adapts with your jawbone it will function as if it’s a natural part of your mouth.

But this is where familiarity and function can collide. When it does your implant can fail.

Enemy 1: Stress and bite force.

Once your dental implant has been accepted into it’s easy to forget it’s there. This is a good thing…until you exert too much force while biting.

You might also discover another issue too. Clenching or grinding you teeth can stress your dental implant just as it would your natural teeth.

The downside: stress can lead to bone loss around your implant, your dental crown can break or wear excessively, or your implant could fracture.

The upside remedy: your teeth grinding or clenching can be treated with a dental night guard. Wearing this treatment during sleep will counter the negative impact of biting stress on your implant, crown, and the surrounding gum and bone tissue.

Enemy 2: Gum disease

This is a significant cause of trouble for your dental implant. You are at greater risk when your gum tissue become infected or inflamed.

Causes vary. The most common involves bacteria growth within your tissue.

The downside: painful inflammation that leads to infection.

The upside solution: treating the source of the inflammation before it transition to full-blown infection and maintaining your gum health with consistent oral hygiene.

Your gum tissue forms a tight pocket for your healthy teeth. Your implant relies on the security of healthy gums as well.

All infection risks should be monitored and treated before they worsen. Inflammation that’s untreated can infect the tissue and compromise your dental implant.

Another big problem you shouldn’t ignore

Inflammation and infection are also a threat to your bone tissue. You jawbone forms the anchor point for your dental implant and must remain healthy for long term success.

Watch for redness, swelling, and bleeding around your gum and bone tissue. These are warning signs of deeper problems that could loosen and ultimately cause you to lose your implant.

Preserving your bone tissue is a high priority. And if necessary, additional oral surgery can repair bone loss and re-anchor your dental implant.

It’s best to avoid these lurking enemies. Routine dental check-ups, consistent dental hygiene, and responsive treatment options help guarantee the health of your dental implant.