Dental implants are a popular choice for replacing missing teeth, but they are not without risks. An estimated 5 to 10 percent of dental implants fail, either shortly after a procedure or months or years later. If you are considering dental implant surgery or already have an implant, it is important to understand the potential causes of implant failure and how to avoid them. The most common causes of dental implant failure are infections and bone loss.
Infections can occur if the implant is not placed correctly or if the patient does not practice good oral hygiene. Bone loss can occur if the implant is placed too close to the nerves surrounding the mouth, which is more likely to happen with inexperienced dentists or when treatment planning is not used as part of the consultation. Studies have found that medical conditions such as diabetes, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular diseases can increase the risk of implant failure. Diabetes was associated with an increased risk of implant failure and peri-implant pathology, as was increasing age (patients over 40 years of age) and hepatitis.
In cases where a gum infection is causing the implants to fail (called peri-implantitis), treatment may simply consist of cleaning the implant and focusing on improving oral hygiene practices in the future. Other causes of initial implant failure include excessive heating of the bone during drilling, excessive preparation of the surgical site, or low bone density that interferes with the primary stability of the implant. To reduce your risk of dental implant failure, it is important to choose an experienced dentist who uses treatment planning as part of their consultation. It is also important to practice good oral hygiene and visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.
If you have any medical conditions that could increase your risk of implant failure, be sure to discuss this with your dentist before undergoing any dental procedures.
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