Although there are several potential ways to replace missing teeth, many experts consider dental implants the most reliable option. They’re the only restorations surgically placed into your jawbone, which provides unique advantages over alternatives like dentures or dental bridges.
However, despite their high success rate of more than 95%, these artificial teeth are not entirely invincible. If you don’t care for them properly, they can become damaged or fail altogether. Continue reading to learn more about how you can support your dental implants in the long run!
Why Are Dental Implants Usually Successful?
Did you know that an estimated 3+ million dental implants were placed in the U.S. in 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic? These restorations continue to gain popularity because their unique placement in the jaw gives them added strength and stability compared to other methods.
This is because the titanium rod of your implant fuses with your jawbone through a process known as osseointegration. As new bone growth is produced, it wraps around the material until it’s fully integrated. After that, your prosthetic is firmly rooted and can potentially last the remainder of your natural life.
What Causes Implant Failure?
There are typically two main reasons your restoration might fail: peri-implantitis and failed osseointegration. The former occurs when you don’t follow a consistent at-home dental hygiene routine of brushing and flossing twice daily. If plaque and bacteria are allowed to form along your gum line, you can develop disease that can spread to your jaw if left unaddressed. In time, it can weaken the bone enough that it no longer supports your teeth, and they might become loose or fall out.
Failed osseointegration is when your jawbone doesn’t grow enough around the implant to permanently secure it in place as intended. This can happen if your jawbone is already too thin or if you indulge in bad habits, like smoking cigarettes, that hinder healing after your procedure.
How Can I Preserve My Dental Implants?
Your dentist will follow specific post-op instructions after your surgery to help you heal as efficiently as possible without developing complications. Following these directions in detail is the best way to maintain your prosthetics when they’re new. Some helpful tips include:
- Keep your mouth clean. For the first day or two, you should stick to warm salt water rinses that are gentler on your teeth and gums. After that, you should brush and floss twice daily as usual.
- Stick to soft foods. For the first 24 hours after your procedure, eat a liquid diet or choose soft foods to avoid irritating the surgical site. Popular options include yogurt, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, ice cream, and applesauce.
- Address discomfort. It’s normal to have some aches and inflammation after your surgery. If you were prescribed pain medications, please take them exactly as ordered. Otherwise, taking over-the-counter medications like Tylenol or ibuprofen is usually safe.
Taking a few simple precautions can greatly increase the likelihood of integrating your dental implant successfully!
About the Author
Dr. Charles Parker has 40+ years of experience helping people enhance their daily quality of life by improving their oral health. He earned his DDS from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio and is an active member of the American Dental Association and East Texas Dental Society. He provides a full array of services from two locations so whether you require basic preventative care or a more complex procedure like dental implants, he’s an expert who can help. If you want to replace missing teeth, you can request a consultation on the website or call (903) 935-6351.