Preventing Dental Implant Failure

Dental implants can last for decades when successful. Unfortunately, like any medical device, they can occasionally fail for various reasons. Understanding dental implant failure, what causes it, and how to prevent it can help you enjoy dental implants for their expected lifespan.

Dental implants and why they may fail

Dental implants are metal posts designed to replace tooth roots. A dental provider will insert them right into the jaw, where they will fuse with the bone as the body heals. Our dentist will place a connecting piece (abutment) in the initial procedure or during a secondary one after this fusion to the jawbone occurs (osseointegration). They will then cement the tooth replacement, usually a dental crown, on top of the abutment.

Implants can fail like any other medical device. Failure can occur early on during the recovery period or years later. The most common causes are improper healing, failed implant integration (meaning osseointegration was unsuccessful), and gum disease around the implant called peri-implant disease. Certain medical conditions, like diabetes, can also increase implant failure risk.

How to prevent dental implant failure

Dental implants are popular because they can replace teeth effectively for decades to come. While dental implant failure can occur, it can be easily prevented. Here are three ways to lower the risk of implant failure:

Proper aftercare

Follow the dental provider’s instructions at every stage of the dental implant process. However, aftercare is particularly important because it promotes proper healing. (Remember that improper healing is a major cause of implant failure.) Thus, follow the aftercare guidelines to a tee, such as:

• Not brushing the surgical site for at least 24 hours after implant placement
• Transitioning back to regular foods over several weeks
• Avoiding alcohol and tobacco until healed

Additionally, make sure to contact the dental provider about any suspected infections. After implant surgery, these may include bad breath, pus, dull aches or throbbing pains, and continued inflammation around the surgical site. The implant itself may loosen, as well.

Oral hygiene and dental checkups

Practicing consistent oral hygiene can significantly decrease one’s risk of implant failure. Daily brushing and flossing can prevent peri-implant disease. Similarly, routine dental checkups with a general dentist allow them to detect issues in their earliest stages. If there are any signs of infection or damage to the dental implants or crowns, the general dentist can address them before they progress.

Changes for a healthier lifestyle

According to Healthline, lasting lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of implant failure even after the initial recovery period. Quitting smoking and abstaining from alcohol are two of the most commonly cited, as both these substances increase the risk for gum disease. Other healthy lifestyle changes that can benefit a patient with implants include eating calcium-rich foods to strengthen the jawbone, protecting against tooth grinding (bruxism) with a night guard, and limiting dental-unfriendly habits like nail-biting.