Dental implants are an excellent treatment method for individuals who are missing teeth and want to restore their smile. However, there are certain anatomical needs that have to be met to ensure the procedure is successful. If you are considering dental implants, consider the different factors that can cause failure and what you can do to address these issues. 

What Causes Dental Implants to Fail?

There are several reasons dental implant treatment can be unsuccessful. When the failure happens quickly, this is typically attributed to improper healing in the bone, a process referred to as osseointegration. This can be brought on by numerous lifestyle factors, such as smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, poor oral hygiene, and gum disease. If the dental implant failure occurs later in treatment, this may be caused by an infection in the gums or inadequate bone density. This type of problem is referred to as peri-implantitis and is the result of a chronic infection that deteriorates the bone and makes it unstable.

There are several signs that a failure is occurring, including pain, movement in the implant, and bleeding. Your dentist may be able to physically examine your mouth to determine the cause behind any implant issues or recommend an X-ray to have a more thorough evaluation.

How Can You Address Issues?

Luckily, there are procedures your dentist can perform to help improve the odds of a successful treatment. Bone grafting is a common recommendation and will help improve the structure of the area receiving the implant. This surgical procedure involves replacing a weak or missing area of bone to increase the stability of the jaw, providing a more solid foundation for the implant to be placed. Additionally, you should continue regular oral hygiene practices like brushing and flossing to prevent infections or gum disease from developing.

If you want to learn more about dental implants and whether you are a good candidate for treatment, contact the professionals at Judy Walker, DDS, in Greensboro, NC. With more than 25 years of experience in oral health restorations and treatments, Dr. Walker provides a range of services to care for your family’s smiles. To learn more about their services, visit them online or call (336) 275-1472.