Dental implants are one of the most successful of all implant-in-bone procedures, over 94%. One of the keys to the success of your implants is in choosing an experienced Doctor.
A successful outcome begins with the Doctor in proper diagnosis, selecting the right type of implant, and precision placement. However, once an implant patient leaves our office, he or she can greatly affect the life of their dental implants.
Although rare occurrences, there are several reasons that dental implants must be removed. This occurs most often because of an infection that occurs when oral bacteria evolves into periodontal (gum) disease. The bacteria of this disease causes inflammation that can reach the area surrounding the implant’s post.
When gum disease reaches this level, it infects the bone and supporting structures of the implant. While prompt treatment can resolve some infections, there is a certain level that requires the implant to be removed so the area can fully heal.
The most common causes for implant failure are poor oral hygiene, smoking (which is drying to oral tissues) and diabetes. Another less-known but significant factor is teeth grinding during sleep.
Bruxing (clenching and grinding teeth) actually contributes to implant failure in more cases than many realize. One study of dental implant recipients noted that 29% of patients who were teeth grinders had failed implants. Nearly the same number of patients with diabetes experienced implant failure.
Bruxing is a known problem for natural teeth that are well-established in the jaw bone. The force can be so much that tooth surfaces wear down. For those who clench, the force can be hard enough to crack a walnut. Grinding and clenching can cause teeth to chip, crack, break and even tilt out of position. These actions can also lead to frequent headaches, migraines, sore jaw joints and sore facial and neck muscles.
Even natural teeth can be worn down from bruxing. Imagine what this does to a newly-placed implant.
So, the pressure and trauma that bruxing can place on a newly-placed implant isn’t surprising once it is noted. Resolving the problem before treatment is, of course, the best solution. However, bruxing should be corrected regardless of the situation and is sometimes corrected with simple reshaping of selected teeth. In addition to protecting the life of your implant, having treatment for problems that contribute to bruxing can help you avoid a long list of residual problems as described above.
Ultimately, taking proper measures to increase implant treatment success helps to protect your investment. They also enable you to enjoy your implants without complications or delays.
We want every patient, including our implant patients, to have only positive experiences and successful outcomes. While not all aspects of after-treatment are within our control, I believe that being communicative with patients on how to increase the potential for success is as important as the exceptional, overall experience our office is known for.
To learn more about Dental Implants, call toll free 1-866-9-Smiles for a free consultation. During this time, I’ll answer your questions and make recommendations.
