Dental Implants Do Have Risks
Dental Implants enjoy a high probability of success and longevity, and many research studies confirm that implant success and survival rates can be between 90% and 98%. The majority of patients who receive implant therapy have few complications, and their prosthetic reconstructions are highly successful and favourable. Unfortunately, like many medical procedures, dental implant failure can happen. Understanding the causes and potential risk factors of dental implant failure and why is essential for maintaining and ensuring yours last a long time.
There are a significant number of potential causes of implant failure, and dental implant therapy does have numerous risk factors associated with it. This means that there are patient or clinician-related factors that can increase the risk of failure or an unfavourable outcome.
Causes of Dental Implant Failure
Smoking
Cigarettes, cigars, and vaping all contribute to oral health issues. People who smoke are at a higher risk of developing mouth cancer (oral), gum problems, losing teeth, decay on the roots of teeth, and complications after tooth removal and gum and oral surgery.
Other unhealthy habits, such as alcohol abuse and drug use, also affect the success of dental implants. These habits can reduce blood flow to the dental implant site and delay healing, increasing the risk of implant failure.
Uncontrolled Diabetes
When you have higher than usual blood sugar, even while managing your diabetes, it places you at a higher risk of having gum disease. Gum disease results in the infection and inflammation of the gums and bone surrounding and supporting the teeth and implant.
Vulnerability to Gum or Periodontal Disease
For some individuals, they are genetically prone to periodontal disease. By working with your dentist and making some lifestyle changes, you can get your gum or periodontal disease under control. Regular oral cleans with a skilled hygienist, eating correctly, avoiding smoking, and getting high blood pressure and cholesterol under control will all assist in managing your gum disease.
Other Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions, such as autoimmune diseases, can weaken the body’s ability to heal and increase the risk of implant failure. These conditions can also cause complications during the healing process, making it more difficult for the implant to integrate with the jawbone and become fully functional.
Some medications can cause a higher risk of failure and complications with implants, such as immunosuppressant therapy, chemotherapy medications, antidepressants and medications that affect bone metabolism, such as medications often prescribed for osteoporosis.
Poor Implant Maintenance
Like natural teeth, dental implants require daily care and maintenance to ensure longevity. Poor maintenance can lead to dental implant failure. Neglecting the proper implant hygiene practices and not attending regular implant check-ups with your dentist will help you manage any issues before they become problematic.
How do We Manage Dental Implant Failure Risks?
The majority of patients who require implants do have some form of risk factor that can be a hindrance towards their dental therapy. But despite these risk factors, these patients can still enjoy a high probability of implant success and longevity. Currently, no test is available to predict whether a patient will have a dental implant failure.
If you are considering dental implants, a complimentary dental implant consultation with your Aria Dental implant provider is your best first step. Your Aria Dental clinician will make a detailed assessment to formulate an educated dental implant procedure treatment plan. When formulating a dental implant treatment plan, your clinician will ensure that the benefits and the probability of success outweigh the risk of a failing implant and any complications associated with dental implant failure – and they will explain to you the details, the risks, and your options.
If you experience a failed dental implant or an artificial tooth that needs to be removed or replaced, the treatment can be restarted in most cases. The failed implant is removed, the bone around the implant can heal up, or an additional jaw bone graft is completed, and a new implant placement can be completed.
Dental Implant Surgery
Prosthodontics is a field of dentistry that uses removable and fixed dental prosthetics, such as dental implants, to restore dental function and appearance. With the highest possible qualification a professional can achieve in cosmetic dentistry, with an extra three years of specialist training in cosmetic dentistry and full mouth rehabilitation, Prosthodontists are considered an authority in dental implant surgery. Prosthodontics is one of 13 dental specialties (such as Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons) recognised by the Dental Board of Australia. It involves rehabilitating oral health, function and aesthetics by restoring broken or worn teeth and replacing missing ones.
At Aria Dental in Perth, our prosthodontic implant dentistry treatments are designed to restore or replace your teeth’ natural function and appearance by using dental implants. So, if you’re missing teeth, have bone loss, have any complex issues with broken or worn-down teeth, or are considering dental implants (would like to minimise your chances of a failed dental implant, a Prosthodontist is precisely who you need to see.
At Aria Dental Implants Centres, no referral is required. You can book your initial dental implant consultation at any of our Midland, Maddington, or North Perth locations or at our flagship Perth CBD implant centre.