How to Prevent Dental Implant Failure
Dental implant failure is a rare occurrence. In fact, most patients never experience any complications.
According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS), 95 percent of the millions of implants placed each year are successful. That number jumps higher — up to 98 percent — for artificial teeth that are implanted by a tooth restoration specialist.
If you want to be part of the 98 percent, take just a few simple steps to prevent dental implant failure and boost your chance of a successful recovery.
Choose an Experienced Tooth Restoration Specialist
Choosing an oral surgeon with years of expertise in tooth restoration — such as the professionals here at Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery of Utah — is key to minimizing the likelihood of dental implant failure. Going with a general dentist might cost a bit less, but you’ll risk a less-than-optimal outcome.
Avoid Smoking and Drinking After Implant Surgery
Smoking and drinking slow the healing process, which increases the probability of infection and implant failure. If you’re a smoker, try to quit before tooth restoration, or at the very least, don’t use tobacco in the week before implant surgery. After your artificial teeth have been implanted, aim to avoid smoking and drinking for as long as possible.
Don’t Put Pressure on a New Dental Implant
To help prevent implant failure, avoid putting pressure on your artificial teeth during the recovery period. This will help the implants fuse to the jawbone and heal properly. So don’t eat anything crunchy until your tooth restoration specialist gives you the go-ahead. And don’t chew on pencils or other nonfood items, or otherwise use your teeth as tools.
Care for Your Smile Following Dental Implant Surgery
Keeping up with your oral health care is crucial after tooth restoration — slack off on the daily routine of brushing and flossing, and implant failure is more likely. Your oral surgeon may also recommend using a therapeutic mouth rinse or an interdental brush.
Also, schedule regular examinations and cleanings to catch any implant problems in the early stages, when they’re easier to treat.
If you want your dental implants to last a lifetime — and who doesn’t? — having them placed by a local tooth restoration specialist is your best bet. In the greater Salt Lake City area, Dr. Partridge and Dr. Maxfield at Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery of Utah are the go-to implant surgery experts.
At Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery of Utah, our professional team takes every possible step to ensure our patients achieve a successful, complication-free recovery from tooth restoration. To learn more about our commitment to helping prevent dental implant failure, contact our Cottonwood Heights, South Jordan or Tooele office to schedule a consultation today.
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