One major factor that makes dental implants the best option in tooth replacement is the fact that, in patients over the age of 45, they can reasonably be expected to last the wearer’s lifetime. But there are a few factors that could prevent their success, and you should be aware of each one. With that in mind, your trusted dental team at Olberding Dental presents this list of the top 4 reasons your dental implants may fail — and how to keep that from happening to you! Continue reading to learn how you can keep your dental implants for a long, healthy lifetime.
4 factors impacting dental implant success
Dental implants offer a whole-tooth replacement, meaning they give you back your missing tooth as well as its root. That’s a key advantage that just isn’t offered by other options in tooth replacement. And once they’re in, dental implants are pretty hardy devices — but they can be affected by the following factors.
#1: Gum disease
Patients who develop gum disease after their dental implantation may run into trouble, says Dr. Olberding. The condition causes the gum to deteriorate, which could leave your implant exposed — and bone loss could strip away its sturdy base.
Prevent gum disease with excellent oral hygiene habits, like brushing for two minutes, twice a day, flossing daily and visiting the dentist as recommended.
#2: Tobacco use
We’ve already covered gum disease, but tobacco use is so easy to prevent and has such a negative impact on oral health that we thought we’d mention it again. Tobacco use of any kind is a major risk factor of gum disease — so kick the habit for your oral (and overall) health in 2016. If you’re ready to quit but unsure of how, talk to the team at Olberding Dental — we’re happy to help.
#3: Medical conditions
When diabetes, cancer, HIV or other serious conditions affect the health and the immune system, dental implants can suffer as a result.
#4: Location of the implant
The location of your dental implant can also affect its success rate. Dental implants in the back of the mouth, for example, receive far more impact from chewing — and can wear down faster as a result. It’s not likely, but it could happen.
Questions? Contact Olberding Dental today!
If you’re still curious about how long your dental implants may last, or if you’d like to talk about starting your tooth replacement journey in 2016, please don’t hesitate to contact Olberding Dental! We’re here to help you enjoy the healthiest, most beautiful smile possible.