Is It Possible for Dental Implants to Fail?

Did you know that dental implants have a success rate of 98%? There are not too many sure things in life, but with such a small percentage of failure, dental implants are pretty close. However, you may be wondering what can cause the 2% of dental implants to fail. Is there a way to ensure the success of your dental implants in East Islip? Keep reading to find out the answer.

But First, How Are Implants Placed?

Before you can fully understand how implants fail, it’s important to know the surgical process. First, your dentist in East Islip will ensure that you’re numb and comfortable. Then, they will create small incisions in your gum tissue to access your jawbone. After, they will create small holes in the jawbone to accommodate the dental implants. Once placed, you must allow at least 3 to 4 months for the implants to fuse to your jawbone. After they have completely healed, you can receive your permanent restoration on top.

What Makes Them So Successful?

Dental implants can last for an entire lifetime with proper care, making them an amazing solution for tooth loss. They are made of titanium, a biocompatible material, which allows them to fuse to the jawbone, becoming a permanent part of your body. This process is called osseointegration, and it’s the reason why dental implants have so many benefits. Firmly rooted in the jawbone, they give you a strong bite, confident speech, and beautiful smile.

How Can Dental Implants Fail?

While unlikely, it is possible to have a failed dental implant in East Islip. Typically, it will occur during the osseointegration process. When the dental implant can’t completely heal and fuse to the bone, it won’t be stable or successful. This can occur for various reasons, but one of the most common is smoking and tobacco use. Use of tobacco actually slows down the healing process, making it hard for your implants to integrate with the jawbone. Because of this, it’s best to stop smoking once you decide that you want dental implants.

Another factor that can cause failure is poor oral hygiene. During the healing process, it’s important to brush and floss your teeth to avoid problems like decay and gum disease. Gum disease causes damage to gum and even bone tissue if left untreated. Other problems like untreated diabetes and low bone dentistry are factors that are harder to control. However, if you know you are affected by any of these conditions, let your dentist know as soon as possible.

Remember that you can make failure less likely by brushing, flossing, and seeing your dentist regularly! With this as your guide, you can feel confident in your dental implants.

About the Practice

At East Islip Dental Care, we have a team of specialists, allowing us to offer more advanced services like dental implants all at our same convenient location. If you have questions or want to schedule your dental implant consultation, we can be reached through our website or by phone at (631) 581-8600.