Dental implants continue to be some of the most successful dentistry treatments. They offer permanent replacement of missing teeth and help reduce the loss of bone in the jaw. Though failure of dental implants in Prairieville, LA patients is rare, it can happen. However, taking some special precautions and preventive measures can help reduce the likelihood of implant failure.
If you are considering receiving dental implants, you should first understand why and how dental implants fail. Having this background will give you the insider knowledge you need to do your part to maintain and protect your health and investment.
Top Reasons for Dental Implant Failures
When we talk about dental implant failure, we are referring to problems related to or around the implant. For instance, the surrounding tissue could become infected, which is a condition known as peri-implantitis. Or, the implant can fail to fuse with the bone and may therefore become too loose or unstable to support an abutment and tooth-like prosthetic.
Failure does not always mean that an implant must be removed, either. Some dental implant failures in Prairieville, LA patients can be resolved without further surgical procedures. With that being said, removal of the dental implant may be the wiser option depending on the extent and type of failure.
What are the most common reasons for failing dental implants?
Placement by inexperienced teams:
Just because a practice offers dental implant placement does not mean that its doctors have extensive education or training. Patients should seek out treatment with oral surgeons and their teams that have placed tens of thousands of dental implants. Yes, the price might be a little higher at a practice that is known for handling dental implant cases day-in and day-out. But paying a bit more is worth avoiding the cost, discomfort, and frustration of dental implant failure.
Not resolving underlying dental problems prior to placement:
Any time you undergo a surgical procedure, your oral surgeon should map out a comprehensive treatment plan. Your plan should include consideration for unresolved dental issues, such as gum disease or questionable bone strength. If you receive dental implants in Prairieville, LA and have an existing mouth or systemic condition, you may end up with a failed case.
Non-compliance with post-op and oral hygiene instructions:
You will be given a list of instructions to follow after your dental implant surgery. These instructions are designed to encourage healing and reduce the risk of dental implant problems. Not following the instructions can discourage proper healing and lead to infections and other complications.
Dental implants are tough. They are not indestructible, though. And the surrounding gum and bone can suffer from issues. This is why patients who receive dental implants still need to brush, floss, and go for cleanings and checkups. Daily oral hygiene is a critical component to long-term dental implant success.
4 Ways to Prevent Dental Implant Failure in Prairieville, LA
Now that you have a broader background on why dental implants can fail, you can apply a few tips to decrease the risk of failure.
- Insist on working with an oral surgeon who can prove an impressive success rate. It is not uncommon for leading oral surgeons to have dental implant success rates as high as 98%.
- Follow all post-operative recommendations to the letter. It may be hard to avoid eating certain foods or keeping your dental implant site clean. Regardless, follow your instructions carefully to minimize the chance of infection.
- Keep up with your oral hygiene and health routine. Regular at-home dental care paired with dental appointments throughout the year will enable you to be good to your mouth!
- Contact your oral surgeon with concerns. The faster your oral surgeon can see you, the faster you can get a problem diagnosed and resolved.
Find out Your Candidacy for Dental Implant Placement
The most important takeaway regarding dental implant failure is that failures happen infrequently. Most cases turn out well, particularly if you maintain a good relationship with a world class oral surgeon and comply with all care instructions.
At Fusion Implant Center, we are proud of our very high implant success rate, as well as our satisfied patients who have achieved the smiles and function they always wanted. We have placed more than 20,000 implants between our skilled team members, Drs. R. Leo Regan, Michael Casadaban, David Bulot, Steven Nelson, and Kit Kiebach, and welcome the chance to speak with you too.
To make an appointment to discuss your candidacy for dental implant placement in Prairieville, LA near Baton Rouge, please call our office in Prairieville, Louisiana at (225) 638-2591.
