06 Apr What Factors Contribute to Long-term Success of Dental Implants?
Are you considering dental implants as a tooth replacement option? A dental implant is used to replace the lost root of a tooth and act as an anchor for a prosthetic such as a dental crown or bridge. Receiving dental implants does require oral surgery and this procedure is often performed by an oral surgeon.
While dental implants are considered the ideal tooth replacement method, there are factors that contribute to their success and longevity. The most common factors that can affect the success of an implant include a patient’s bone density, commitment to oral hygiene, and whether one receives regular cleanings and checkups.
Bone Density
Bone density is an important factor in determining whether a person is a candidate for dental implants because the amount of bone tissue directly affects the placement and longevity of an implant. Dental implants are small titanium posts that look somewhat like a screw. Titanium is used because the bone surrounding it will fuse to it, hold it in place, and support it. If a patient lacks adequate bone mass or develops bone atrophy in the future, the implant will not have the support it needs to stay anchored in place.
Some patients, however, can benefit from a preliminary oral surgery procedure that consists of grafting bone tissue over areas of the jaw where bone mass is sparse.
Commitment to Oral Hygiene
Even though a dental implant is resistant to common oral health conditions including gum disease and tooth decay, the biological tissue adjacent to an implant is not. For example, if a patient develops advanced gum disease after implantation, the implant can be affected due to loss of gum tissue and bone deterioration. This is one reason why practicing meticulous oral hygiene is important. Patients should brush and floss thoroughly as recommended by their oral surgeon or dentist.
Professional Oral Healthcare
Those who have dental implants need to receive routine checkups and cleanings. Checkups are essential for detecting potential problems that may affect an implant’s stability and cleanings are vital to preventing gum disease.
To learn more about your tooth replacement options, contact Great River Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery to reserve a consultation with our team.