Serving areas of Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing, MI
Dental implants are a permanent solution to missing teeth. Backed by a 90-95% success rate, dental implants are designed to last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. However, some patients, although very few, may experience implant failure at some point. If you experience this, you should schedule an appointment with Dr. Christine Tenaglia, a trustworthy implant dentist in Okemos.
Why dental implants fail
Implant failure is rare, although it is usually caused when the implant doesn’t integrate with the jawbone. This is why a six-month healing period often is required before completing the treatment with a dental crown, the final step in receiving an implant. In some cases, the body rejects the implant, causing it to become loose or fall out. This is one reason why it is essential to choose an experienced Okemos implant dentist. Usually, the dentist will recognize potential issues when assessing jawbone health before the procedure or when they go to place the implant.
What to look for
After the initial implant placement, you may feel a little tenderness in the surgical area, but it should get better within a few days. If, however, at any point after the initial healing, you experience swelling, redness, or severe pain at the implant site, contact your dentist right away. This could be a sign of peri-implantitis, which could indicate an infection in the jawbone. If not treated, it could lead to implant failure. Peri-implantitis is more likely to occur in those with diabetes, smoke, or have poor oral hygiene.
Damaged implant crown
Sometimes, it’s not the actual implant that fails, but the implant crown that you see in your mouth may crack or break. You can avoid this problem by not crunching on hard candies or using your teeth to bite your fingernails or open packages. However, if the porcelain cracks off of your dental crown, you may need to have it replaced, especially if it is visible when you smile. Replacing an implant crown doesn’t involve surgery, like the initial implant placement.
How to maintain your dental implant
Ideally, your implant lasts for the rest of your life, that is, with good care. Maintain your dental implant just like you would your natural teeth – brush and floss daily. Dental implants can easily become traps for food and bacteria as they may lurk right under the edges of the crown. These areas cannot be cleaned with your toothbrush, and require using floss to clean. A water flosser is also a good way to clean underneath your dental implant crown.
Dental Implants in Okemos, East Lansing, and Lansing
If you would like to learn more about dental implants or schedule a consultation, contact Tenaglia Smiles by calling (517) 347-6733 or contact Dr. Tenaglia today. Discover why dental implants are the premier option for replacing missing teeth. Dental implants also can be used in conjunction with bridges or dentures for a more secure fit. During your consultation, Dr. Tenaglia will recommend the best tooth replacement options for you.Backed by a 90-95% success rate, dental implants are designed to last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance.