How Can I Improve the Success Rate of My Dental Implants?

It used to be that if you lost a permanent tooth, you could only hope to restore it with a temporary fix like dentures or a dental bridge. The great news is that today, durable, lifelike dental implants are capable of permanently replacing missing teeth. With an astonishing 95 percent success rate, dental implants are not only safe, but they’re reliable too. Here’s how you can increase your own odds for success with this smile-saving treatment!

Avoiding Infection

One of the most dangerous things to dental implants is oral infection. Not only can infection delay the healing process following surgery, but it can also affect the health of the implant later, even years after placement.  In fact, a dangerous condition called peri-implantitis is the leading cause of dental implant failure and can be caused by poor oral hygiene and gum disease. Thus, to mitigate your risk of implant failure, be sure to brush and floss your teeth regularly to avoid oral infections that could put your prosthetics in danger.

Bone Health

To receive dental implants, it’s important to have a strong healthy jaw. If you don’t, your implant could fail to properly fuse with the bone. To prevent this, your dentist may recommend a bone grafting or sinus lift procedure before placing your implant. Unfortunately, in some cases patients with severe bone deterioration may not be able to qualify for dental implants, even with the help of bone grafting, but your dentist will discuss your options at your consultation.

Quitting Bad Habits

When you get dental implants, it’s important to have sufficient blood supply to the supporting bones. Smoking or using tobacco products reduces the blood supply to these crucial areas, slowing the healing process and increasing your risk of dental implant failure. Thus, be sure to stop your use of these products as soon as possible to ensure that your new smile has the best odds for success.

Oral Hygiene Help

Because of the risk of failure due to peri-implantitis, maintaining excellent oral hygiene is imperative for the success of your dental implants. Thus, be sure to care for your smile regularly by brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist twice a year for your regular preventive exams and cleanings.

Remember, your dental implants have excellent odds for survival, and with proper care and maintenance could last a lifetime. By following the above guidelines, you can improve your odds for success, so you can enjoy your newly restored smile for years to come!

About Our Practice

At Springhetti Dentistry, Dr. Springhetti and Dr. Oberley are ready to help you restore your smile with the help of durable, lifelike dental implants. If you’re missing one or more of your permanent teeth and want to get back your gorgeous glowing grin for life, dental implants could be the answer. To learn more about this treatment and to see if you qualify, schedule a consultation with us today by visiting our website or calling 317-875-7645