Whether you have lost one or more teeth due to an injury or dental issue, restoring your smile is possible. As a matter of fact, there are many options for restoring your smile back to an appealing, functional state. From veneers and dental implants to traditional bridges and dentures, you and your dentist will work together to determine the best option for you. Of course, implants offer enormous benefits for your smile. Not only are they effective and affordable, but they have a high rate of success. However, certain conditions can cause your dental implants to fail. This guide will help explain a few reasons why implants fail. 

Improper Installation

It is rare, but improper installation can cause issues with your implants. It is important to remember that they should be custom-sized to fit your mouth. Your dentist will need to conduct multiple exams to ensure implants are placed appropriately in your mouth.

Improper placement during surgery will not allow osseointegration, which is the process of the implant fusing into the actual bone of your jaw. Without this fusion, the implants will become lose or fall out completely.

Underlying Dental Issues

Your implants are anchored to the jaw. If you do not have sufficient bone mass or you are suffering from underlying dental issues, the implants will not fuse into your mouth completely. 

Lack of bone mass and even gum disease will all affect your ability to heal after receiving implants. X-rays will determine if you have sufficient bone for the implants to be anchored. If not, a bone grafting procedure will be necessary before you receive implants. Gum disease should also be treated with scaling treatments and antibiotics to ensure the surrounding gum tissue is healthy and strong.

Oral hygiene will be important after your surgical placement of implants. Proper brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist for routine checkups will be essential parts of protecting your oral health.

Bruxism

The grinding of teeth and clenching of the jaw is known as bruxism. This habit can be dangerous to your oral health because it places an excess amount of stress and pressure on your real teeth and your dental implants.

Preventing damage to your teeth and bridge is possible, but you will need to figure out what is causing your bruxism. For most people, stress and anxiety is the main cause of the teeth grinding, so finding ways to manage this emotional distress is key. Counseling, exercise, or massage therapy are all beneficial options.

Your dentist may suggest wearing a mouth guard while sleeping since the grinding is most common while sleeping.

From the right dentist and a healthy set of teeth and gums to proper oral hygiene, implants can be a successful method of smile restoration. Knowing the risks of failure will help you decide if implants are right for you. For more information, contact a dental office like NOVA PREMIER DENTAL.