A dental implant is a permanent restoration replacement for a missing tooth. The implant itself is a tiny titanium post that is surgically placed into your jawbone. Over a few months, the implant and jawbone will fuse together. Once integrated, the implant can support and stabilize an artificial tooth or crown.
Around three million people in the United States currently have dental implants. Dental implants continue to gain popularity. There are now over 500,000 new implants a year being placed. With a success rate of 95%, they have become the gold standard.
Are You a Candidate for a Dental Implant?
Dental implants are a viable solution if you are replacing teeth. However, two potential problems in determining if a dental implant is appropriate for you are suitability and success rate. Dental implants are not suitable for everyone. To receive a dental implant, you should have good overall health. You should also have healthy gums and a healthy jawbone because these elements will be supporting the dental implant. Dental implants are not suitable for a child since their facial bones are still growing. Sometimes, a dental implant can fail. An early failure, which is before the insertion of the implant, or a late failure, which is after the implant has been in place for a while. Dental implants do have a high success rate of around 95%. However, they might have a reduced success rate if you:
- Smoke.
- Have diabetes.
- Have gum disease.
- Have had radiation therapy to the jaw area.
- Take certain medications.
Some Infrequent Dental Implant Problems
Here are some of the more common problems that may develop following dental implant surgery.
- Infection- You need to take diligent care of your dental implant to reduce the risk of infection. It is essential to follow the aftercare instructions from your dentist. Treatment for an infection will depend on the severity and the location. A bacterial infection in the gum could require antibiotics or a soft tissue graft, where a bacterial infection in the bone could require removal of the infected bone tissue and even the implant.
- Gum recession- You might find that the gum tissue around the implant is receding. This can lead to inflammation and pain. Seeing your dentist promptly is essential to save the implant.
- Loose implant- Immediately following your surgery, the dental implant will be bonding and fusing with the jawbone. This process is called osseointegration, and it is imperative for the long-term success of the implant. This process will take several months. If the implant fails to integrate with the bone, your dentist may have to remove it.
- Nerve or tissue damage- Sometimes, your dentist could inadvertently place a dental implant too close to a nerve. This may cause long-term numbness, tingling, or pain. A nerve or tissue problem requires immediate attention.
Ensuring Your Dental Implant Success
To ensure the success of your dental implant simply follow the aftercare advice your dentist provides. You should avoid hot food and drinks and also stick to a soft food diet for several days. It is also important to avoid any strenuous exercise for 2–3 days to prevent increased blood flow creating swelling of the area. Like your natural teeth, an implant and the tissues surrounding it require regular cleaning. You need to brush twice a day and floss at least once per day after your gums have healed. You should also maintain regular dental check-ups and cleanings every six months.