Can Your Body Reject Your Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a titanium post that is surgically inserted into your jawbone as a tooth replacement solution for missing teeth. A restorative dentist or oral surgeon after inserting the implant will mount an artificial replacement tooth on the implant.

The success rates of dental implants are high, but approximately 5 to 10% of dental implants fail shortly after the procedure or even months or years later. If you are scheduled for dental implant surgery, or you already have one, here is the information about implant failure and other potential complications.

Factors Impacting the Success of Dental Implants

Many factors can impact the success of a dental implant. The most common reasons affecting the success rates are the following:

Periodontal Disease

If you are undergoing dental implant surgery, you must have healthy gums without which the procedure will be unlikely. Gum disease infects and damages your gums and jawbone. Untreated infections can develop around the implant leading to its failure. You must see a dentist before getting the implant.

Smoking

Smoking is a leading cause of the failure of dental implants because it can restrict the flow of blood to the gums to slow the healing process. Research studies reveal that this problem impacts approximately 20% of smokers. If you are a smoker, it does not mean you are ineligible to have dental implants as long as you stop smoking a week before the procedure and don’t smoke for at least two months after the placement.

Insufficient Jawbone

Sufficient jawbone is essential for dental implants to succeed. The oral surgeon cannot insert the implant in your jaw if you have an insufficient healthy bone. Bone loss occurs with osteoporosis because it causes the bone density to decrease. When the bones become fragile, the risk of fractures increases, deterioration of the bones in the mouth can also be caused by periodontitis.

Medical Conditions

If you are diagnosed with autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes, which restrict the healing power of the body to a slower pace, it can prevent osseointegration and make the failure of the implant a possibility. Using certain medications can also increase the likelihood of failure. Therefore you must discuss any medications you are currently using with your oral surgeon.

Improper Maintenance of Oral Hygiene

Practicing excellent oral hygiene is essential after dental implant procedure because not doing so can impact the success rate of the dental implant. You will be considered ineligible for dental implants if you have limitations that interfere with your ability to maintain proper oral hygiene.

The Planning before Dental Implant Procedure

The success rates of dental implants are high, but they can fail at times for several reasons. You must understand the potential risks to ensure you can take steps to improve the odds of success. It includes seeking treatments for any issues you are experiencing before the procedure. Selecting an experienced oral surgeon by utilizing the free exam & X-rays offered by Town Square Dental and practicing good oral hygiene before and after the surgery will enhance your success rates with the implants.

What Are the Signs of Failure of the Procedure?

If you experience early or late-stage failure of the implants, the indications of complications include:

• Difficulties when chewing.
• Inflammation of the gums.
• Receding gums.
• Swelling.
• Severe pain and discomfort.
• Loosening of the implant or the replacement tooth.

Preventive Care against Failure of the Implants

Some failures of dental implants cannot be prevented, but you can certainly take steps to reduce the risks and have your implants intact for a lifetime. The steps include:

• You are caring for your dental implants properly by brushing and flossing every day and using mouthwash.
• You are visiting your dentist every six months for the examinations.
• Avoiding Tobacco in all forms.
• Increasing your intake of calcium to support healthy bones. Having calcium-rich foods like milk, broccoli, yogurt, cheese, and oranges or taking supplements will help you to achieve this goal.
• It would help if you avoided habits like eating ice or candy that can damage your teeth.
• Ask your dentist about wearing a mouthguard as a measure against bruxism.
• Avoid getting a tooth replacement immediately after the implant procedure.

The titanium implants will integrate with your jawbone and are unlikely to be rejected unless you are habitually accustomed to following habits that are detrimental to the placements. As long as you follow the advice of your dentist, you will be happy you preferred one of the best tooth replacement solutions after losing your natural teeth.