A titanium post called a dental implant is surgically placed into your jawbone to replace a missing tooth. An artificial replacement tooth will be mounted on the implant by an oral surgeon or restorative dentist after the implant has been inserted.

Although dental implants have a very high success rate, 5 to 10% of them fail either immediately after the procedure or even months or years later. Here are details on implant failure and other potential complications in case you are scheduled for dental implant surgery or if you have already undergone it. Contact the family dentist in North Central Phoenix for more info.

Can your body reject a dental implant?

There could be certain factors causing your body to reject a dental implant either soon after its placement or years after. Some of the most common causes are as follows:

• Periodontal Disease

You may not be able to have dental implant surgery if your gums are not in good health. Your jawbone and gums are harmed by gum disease. If left untreated, infections may grow around the implant and cause it to fail. Prior to receiving the implant, you need to visit the dentist.

• Smoking

Smoking can impede blood flow to the gums, slowing the healing process, which is one of the main reasons dental implants fail. Studies show that about 20% of smokers are affected by this issue. As long as you give up smoking at least two months before getting dental implants & cease a week beforehand, being a smoker does not preclude you from getting them.

• Insufficient Jawbone

Sufficient jawbone is necessary for dental implants to be successful. If there is not enough healthy bone in your jaw, the oral surgeon cannot place the implant there. Osteoporosis causes a decrease in bone density, which leads to bone loss. Periodontitis can also contribute to the degradation of the bones in the mouth. Fractures become more likely when bones become brittle.

• Medical Conditions

It can hinder osseointegration and increase the risk of implant failure if you have an autoimmune disease, such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, which slows down the body’s ability to heal. The chance of failure may also rise when using specific drugs. As a result, you and your oral surgeon need to talk about any medications you are currently taking.

• Improper Maintenance of Oral Hygiene

Following a dental implant procedure, maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial because failing to do so may reduce the implant’s likelihood of success. If you have restrictions that make it difficult for you to practice good oral hygiene, you will not be eligible for dental implants.