5 Factors that Influence Your Dental Implant Success Rate

Dental implants are a great option for tooth replacement. They closely mimic the function of natural teeth, allowing you to eat, speak and smile with ease once again.  Dental implants are also becoming quite common as; currently, more than 3 million people have had the procedure done. However, if you are considering this procedure, some factors could influence your dental implant success rate.

Generally, dental implants in Braselton offer an extremely high success rate of up to 98%. There are very few risks with this procedure if the patient is in good health and follows the proper care. Dental implants boast a lifetime guarantee and rarely need to be replaced in most cases.

However, there are factors that may influence the dental implant success rate.  If you have talked to your dentist about getting dental implants or you are considering the procedure, you should be aware of these factors. Knowing what they are ahead of time can help you to make the best decisions for your oral health.

How Do Dental Implants Work?

First, it is important to understand how dental implants work and what to expect from the procedure. Dental implants are permanently secured into the mouth through a titanium screw that is inserted into the jaw bone.

So, the first step of dental implant surgery is to remove any pieces of the remaining tooth (such as the roots) and prepare the jaw. The titanium implant is then inserted into the jaw while you are under local anesthesia. Some dentists also offer sedation options to ensure that you are comfortable and relaxed during this procedure.

Once the implant is placed, it is allowed to heal without being disturbed. This process can take 12 to 16 weeks to complete. Once the implant is healed and secure, a permanent ceramic tooth is attached.

While the vast majority of patients experience no complications with this procedure, it can happen. Typically, issues are caused by pre-existing factors. Thankfully, there are some things you can do to help your dental implant success rate.

Here are the leading reasons for dental implant failure and the solutions to lower your risk:

1. Smoking

Smoking is terrible for your overall health, but it can cause significant damage to your mouth, especially your teeth and gums. Regular smokers are five times more likely than nonsmokers to develop gum infections or periodontal diseases. This can make the implantation and healing process far more difficult, as your gums need to be in good health to protect the implant.

Smoking after the procedure is a factor that significantly impairs healing and decreases the dental implant success rate. The smoke that is inhaled can damage the gums as they are trying to heal, and it can also increase the likelihood of infection.

If you are a smoker and are considering dental implants, it is in your best interest to stop smoking for at least 2 months before implant surgery.

2. Bone Issues

Before you can book a dental implant procedure, the dentist will inspect the health of your jawbone. The dentist will take several X-rays of the jaw where the implant will be inserted. The implant must be inserted into healthy bone.

If it is determined that your bones are not sufficient to support your dental implants, there are options. Commonly, dentists will suggest several types of bone grafting procedures. This involves taking bone (often synthetic or from a tissue bank), which is grafted to the area. This helps to promote new healthy bone growth.

3. Staging

Dental implant surgery is completed in two to three stages. If a failing tooth or root is present, the first stage is removing the tooth and placing a bone graft. The second stage is the insertion of the titanium implant, and the final stage is the placement of the ceramic tooth (called the crown and abutment).

The staging of the surgeries is also another key factor in dental implant success. Medical studies suggest that when patients are given several months between each stage to let the mouth heal, the dental implant success rate rises significantly.

Not everyone poses the same risk of failure by having dental implant surgery in only one stage. If you do not require bone grafting, a dentist may suggest completing the procedure in one single day with only a follow-up appointment. When you choose an implant provider, be sure he or she evaluates your anatomy to determine a treatment plan that will allow you the best possible and longest-lasting outcome.

4. Diet

We all know that the food we consume impacts our overall health – but you may not realize that it can influence your dental implant success rate so significantly. How you eat after implant surgery plays a role in your implant’s integration as well.

Keeping a healthy, well-balanced diet is also good for your overall health, and will aid in the healing process. After the procedure, avoid eating sugary foods as much as possible, as these can cause dental issues. Some other foods to stay away from include:

• Crunchy food like popcorn
• Tough food like uncooked vegetables or chewy steaks
• Acidic foods like citrus fruits
• Sticky foods such as caramels and gummies

Directly following any stage of the procedure, patients should stick to soft foods which require minimal chewing. Smoothies, applesauce, mashed potatoes, and soups are great options for the first few days after the procedure. You should also avoid chewing in the area where the implant is inserted for the first few weeks. This will help the jaw and gum heal properly and diminish the risk of infection from any food particles getting stuck.

5. Hygiene

It is important to maintain good oral hygiene as a part of post-implant surgery care. Brushing, flossing, and rinsing regularly will help reduce the chances of an infection developing and compromising the integrity of your implant.

You should take extra precautions when cleaning the area around the implant directly after surgery. Brushing too hard could damage the gum, while not brushing well enough could leave food particles behind, leading to infection.

Be sure to ask your dentist for advice regarding dental hygiene following your procedure. Your dentist may suggest switching to a softer brush or gentle toothpaste to minimize sensitivity. They can also show you proper brushing techniques so you can keep the area clean.

Ready to Learn More?

Dental implants are a great solution for many people who have missing or damaged teeth. However, it is important to do all that you can to increase your dental implant success rate before, during, and after the procedure.

If you’d like to know if you are a candidate for dental implants in Braselton or if you would like information on ensuring the success of your dental implants, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Jones & Copeland Smiles. You can contact us online, over the phone (770) 467-3639, or even via texting. Our team would be happy to discuss your treatment and make sure you fully understand what’s going on with your smile replacement every step of the way.

First published on: Sep 6, 2021

Updated on: April 11, 2022