According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, each year about 500,000 Americans receive dental implants. Some implantology reports state that implants have a 98% success rate. If that’s the case, should you be concerned about dental implant failure?
Why the Concern about Dental Implant Failure?
An unsuccessful dental implant causes uncomfortable symptoms and unattractive signs that detract from your smile, some of which include:
- Swelling and bleeding around an implant that persists after the normal healing period
- Loose implant fixture
- Pain around the implant
- Infection, which may include pus
- Nerve impairment
- Sinus perforation
How Can Implant Failure Be Avoided?
Dental implant failure can be avoided with proper planning, the use of quality implant fixtures, and the skill of an experienced and well-trained provider.
1. Proper planning
Although some dentists use standard x-rays to plan implant placement, 3-D x-rays improve accuracy of placement. 3-D x-rays reveal sinus cavities, nerves, and other orofacial structures to help prevent implant mistakes. Ask your implant dentist about the technology he or she uses to plan for your dental implants.
2. Quality fixtures
An implant fixture, or artificial root form, can last a lifetime. Cheap fixtures can corrode or loosen. Skilled implant dentists use fixtures from trusted, well-known manufacturers, including:
- 3i
- Astrotech
- BioHorizons
- Nobel Biocare
- Straumann
- Zimmer
3. Highly skilled provider
Although implantology isn’t a recognized specialty in dentistry, advanced training is available. Find a dentist with extensive and ongoing post-graduate training in dental implant placement and restoration. Some dentists refer their patients to a periodontist (specialist in implant placement) or an oral surgeon to ensure implant fixtures are properly placed.
After the implant and your jawbone fuse together, the dentist restores the implant with a dental crown. Or if you need dentures, your dentist can secure them to multiple implants. Before you select a provider, ask how many implants he or she has placed.
Phases of the dental implant process
We suggest that you schedule consultations with at least two dental implant providers to discuss your options.
This post is sponsored by Drake and Wallace Dentistry in Decatur, AL.