Factors that contribute to long-term dental implant success
Although dental implant procedures have an incredibly high success rate, they do carry some risk of failure. Improve your chances of long-term dental-implant success with the following pre and postop strategies.
Be a strong candidate
A big factor in determining the long-term viability of a dental implant is the state of your jawbone and oral health at the time of installation. If your bone is too thin to support the titanium implant or not healthy enough to allow osseointegration, which is the permanent bonding of the titanium implant to your jawbone, chances of failure can increase. Maintaining good oral and overall health is important.
Strong oral health begins with taking care of yourself in general. While brushing, flossing and using an oral rinse are all important, nutrition is the chief building block for a healthy body. A balanced diet rich in vegetables can improve your chances of long-term success with your dental implants. Avoid sugary sweets, drink plenty of water and stick to an appropriate exercise regimen. Take care of your body and your body can help take care of your implants.
Recessed gums
A patient suffering from recessed gums is advised to identify the cause of their gum recession and treat the condition accordingly prior to getting dental implants. Recessed gums expose the lower portion of your crown and can potentially leave the implant vulnerable to bacteria.
Common causes of recessed gums include:
- Gum disease
- Overbrushing or aggressive brushing
- Smoking or chewing tobacco
- Abnormal tooth formations or crowding of the mouth
Diabetes
Diabetics can be perfectly suitable candidates for dental implants if they are diligent about managing the disease. Failure to properly monitor and treat diabetes is linked to a lack of osseointegration.
Peri-implantitis
Peri-implantitis is an infection that starts in the gums and eventually leads down to the bone where the implant is located. The infection can be difficult to treat, particularly once it reaches the chronic stage. Avoid peri-implantitis by sticking to a daily oral hygiene routine. Daily brushing, flossing and rinsing is the most effective way to remove potentially infectious bacteria from your mouth.
