Prosperous Prosthetics: What Makes Dental Implants Successful?

Did you know that, according to the American Dental Association, an estimated 5 million dental implants are placed annually in the U.S.? This number is only expected to grow as more people learn about the many unique advantages of these one-of-a-kind restorations.

These replacement teeth are renowned for their resilience and endurance and typically have an incredibly high success rate of 90% or higher, but they’re not entirely invincible. Keep reading to learn about 3 factors that influence how well your prosthetics work!

Consideration #1: Your Health

Dental implants are the only restorations that include oral surgery, so before you can proceed, you must schedule an initial consultation with your dentist. During your visit, they’ll take the time to update your medical history and examine your mouth to ensure no pre-existing conditions interfere. For instance, if you have diabetes, you’re at an increased risk of developing gum disease that can infect the implant site.

Your dentist must also verify that you can safely undergo the procedure and receive sedation without risking your general health. If you have sleep apnea, autoimmune disease, or take specific prescriptions, you might not be a good candidate.

Consideration #2: Your Jawbone Density

Many patients are surprised to learn that their jawbone loses some of its mass after permanent teeth go missing. Your roots stimulate your jaw to produce new bone growth every time you bite down or chew, which keeps it active and healthy. Without them, it starts to thin and can eventually become too frail to support your teeth.

Unlike dentures and dental bridges, implants include a titanium rod inserted directly into your jawbone to prevent this process. However, you must have sufficient density to hold your prosthetic in place long enough for your jawbone to fuse with it in a process called osseointegration. If yours is deemed too frail, don’t worry! Often, a bone graft procedure can bulk it up enough to continue with implants.

Consideration #3: Proper Aftercare

Although you can’t necessarily control your medical condition or jawbone density, there are steps you can take to care for your restorations properly to help ensure their success. Your dental team will provide a list of post-op instructions to follow that are intended to help you heal as effectively as possible without developing complications.

For instance, you shouldn’t smoke because vapes and cigarettes contain nicotine, which is a vasoconstrictor. It limits your blood’s oxygen levels and hinders its flow, so your body can’t deliver essential nutrients and infection-fighting cells to your mouth. This increases the likelihood of developing a form of gum disease called peri-implantitis, which impacts the connective and bone tissues around your prosthetic and can cause it to fail.

If you’re unsure whether you’re a good candidate for dental implants, the best way to find out is to contact your provider to schedule your consultation!

Meet the Author

Dr. Mark Gaches enjoys building lasting relationships with patients so he can help them build and maintain their most beautiful, healthiest smiles. He earned his dental degree from the University of Southern California and has continued his education to stay current with cutting-edge technology and techniques, including dental implants. He proudly provides each step of the process in the office, including implant placement and creating a restoration, to streamline your experience. You can request a consultation on the website or call (918) 928-2383.