Dental Implants – What Determines Success and Failure
Dental implants are used as an effective means of replacing missing teeth. The medical procedure has been around since 1950 and has gathered immense popularity due to its high success rate.
The dental process has a success rate of 90-95 percent, which is higher compared to most dental procedures. The failure of dental implants is rare, and in most cases, results from negligence on the part of the patient or doctor.
Hence, before you decide to get dental implants Springfield, it is advisable to find a competent and skilled dentist. Also, you need to be aware of all the factors that contribute to an unsuccessful implant and avoid them at all costs.
Let us discuss in detail what causes the success and failure of dental implants.
1. Patients age and health conditions
There is no age restriction for dental implants, and even senior patients in their 90s can get a successful implant. However, this depends on the strength and density of bones at the implant site, which may deteriorate with age.
Also, aging can be a reason for ailments, such as osteoporosis or diabetes, which can become a risk factor for a dental implant procedure.
2. Quality and quantity of jawbones
A primary factor that determines the long-term success of the implant is the local bone quality. A patient must have stable bones in the implant site with the required height and thickness.
A dentist must evaluate the bone volume, density, and architecture in the implant site. The process requires a strong base on which the dental implants can be surgically screwed.
3. Location of the implant
Another crucial determinant of a successful implant is the location of its placement. It is essential to ascertain that the planned area for the implant is away from neighboring anatomical structures like an adjacent tooth, nerve, sinuses, etc.
Also, the location determines the pressure on the dental implant. Hence, depending on the implant site, the direction must be altered to avoid undue pressure on the implant.
Also, it is the responsibility of the dentist to guide the patients so that they avoid putting excessive pressure on the teeth while chewing.
4. Oral hygiene
One of the most common reasons for implant failure is poor dental hygiene. Improper cleaning, brushing, and flossing habits can cause the accumulation of food debris or dental plaque around the implant.
Bacterial growth can cause infection, which can be painful for patients.
Hence, it is essential to keep the area clean and free of germs.
Dental issues can become a major hindrance in the healing process and osseointegration. Hence, the dentists need to advise the patients on proper oral hygiene.
5. The skill of the dentist
The success or failure of an implant procedure depends on the doctor performing the process. A dentist needs to make critical decisions regarding the quality of bone, location of the implant, and direction of its placement, which impacts its success significantly.
Also, the process needs to be performed with due care without causing any damage to the local nerves or vessels. It is the responsibility of the dentist to ensure that the dental implant receives proper blood supply and is given the required time for healing.
A dentist should also advise the patient on ways to take care of their implant and ensure the success of the implant through regular check-ups.
6. Avoid damaging habits.
Last but not least, patients should stay away from damaging habits that can lead to the failure of dental implants. Smoking, tobacco, and excessive drinking can be detrimental to your dental implants. Also, avoid chewing on hard items and tooth-staining caffeine products.
If you have a habit of grinding your teeth, discuss with your dentist to get immediate treatment. Following every instruction from your dentist is the only way of ensuring the success of your dental implants.
These are some of the significant determinants that contribute to the success or failure of a dental implant. Hence, all these factors should be paid due attention before the implant procedure.