How Your Dental Implants in Edison, NJ Can Fail and How to Prevent It

Dental implants are notorious for having a long healing time and high upfront cost. However, these two factors are needed to ensure the implant heals effectively and lasts for several decades. With proper maintenance, patients can even have them for life! However, even with a 95 percent success rate after 10 years, there are cases where they can fail, mainly due to patient negligence.

To prevent implant failure and make your dental implants in Edison, NJ last, keep reading.

Peri-Implantitis: The Main Cause of Implant Failure

At the end of the day, your dentist’s main concern is preventing peri-implantitis. This infection can form either during or after implant surgery. It can occur either when bacteria gets into the mouth somehow during surgery or when the dental cement holding a crown in place leaks into the gums. If this infection develops, your implant will most likely need to be removed and replaced.

Most cases of peri-implantitis are caused by patients who smoke, practice poor oral care, have thin gums, or have diabetes. Your dentist will always confirm if preexisting conditions will not interfere with your implant process. However, that doesn’t mean they can micromanage your day-to-day habits.

Other Causes of Implant Failure

In other, less common cases, implants can fail if they don’t properly integrate with the bone. When osseointegration fails, the implant becomes loose, falls out, or begins to show signs of bone loss. Patients who have insufficient bone density should pursue bone grafting to improve their success rate.

While even less likely, damaged nerves or tissues surrounding the implant can cause it to fail. However, as long as you have an experienced dentist in Edison, NJ placing your implant, you won’t have to worry about this problem.

Other ways an implant can fail include:

• Sinus Problems – Sinuses can obstruct the implantation. This area is also known to have limited bone density.
• Overloading – Occurs when a dentist places an abutment and crown the same day as the implant, even if the patient doesn’t have sufficient bone density
• Allergic Reactions – Inflammatory reactions such as tingling or burning sensations to certain alloys in the titanium.
• Foreign Body Rejections – While rare, the body can treat the implant as a foreign object, resulting in a rejection and loose implant.

How to Prevent Implant Failure

The best way to prevent implant failure after surgery is to practice daily oral care, visit your dentist every six months for check-ups and cleanings, and choosing a dentist with the expertise to place implants. The best at-home oral care includes:

• Brushing twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste
• Brushing for at least two minutes
• Flossing daily, especially around the implant
• Using an antibacterial mouthwash daily
• Discontinuing use of all tobacco products
• Avoiding hard candy, ice, or other hard substances that can damage teeth and crowns

With these tips in mind, you can make your dental implants in Edison, NJ last for decades! Schedule a consultation with your dentist today to learn more tips on implant care!

About the Author

If you’re having issues with your denture or dental bridge, Dr. Steven J. Resnick is more than capable of advising you on your many implant options. He’s also prepared to help you care for your implant as well as confirm it’s integrating properly with your body during the healing process. To learn more about his implant expertise and practice, contact him through his website.